Councillors voice concern?
Dear Editor,
The Evening Echo recently reported on the Coom Green Energy Park, a 22-wind turbine development, which it described as sitting in the Heart of the Bride Valley. The residents of the area have many concerns, some of which I share, given the location and the impact such a development will have on not only the local ecology, but the potential impact on the wider environment.
However, what one found amusing was the sudden shift by Cllr O’Leary and Cllr O’Flynn in terms of their recognition of the environment. Only a few weeks back, Cllr O’Leary, supported by Cllr O’Flynn spoke of the need to remove trees and vegetation that was interfering with citizens’ broadband signal. Cllr O’Leary went as far as suggesting that laws should be passed allowing for access and removal of such trees and vegetation on private lands. So, both councillors, at a time of serious habitat and biodiversity loss, were quite happy to delimit private property rights and destroy habitats, so that another private citizen could get a better Netflix connection.
Score: Technology 1-Environment 0.
However, both councillors have now done a U-turn, and have now become champion environmentalists. Cllr O’Leary has gone from tree chopping, vegetation ripping councillor, to hen harrier saviour, all in a couple of weeks. So enthusiastic is Cllr O’Leary, he has gone so for as to reject the proposed development by Coom Green Energy, coming out in defence of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC), human health, the environment and ecology. This is rather surprising but hopefully positive or is there something behind the sudden change?
The SAC that they both wish to save so gallantly, is the same SAC on which the weir in Fermoy sits. If both councillors feel so strongly about protecting that area in Ballyhooly, Killavillen and Glenville, then given this polar shift in thought by both councillors on the environment, I can now assume that both councillors will object to any such potential plan or works in the middle of the river Blackwater in Fermoy, as the ‘ environmental and ecological’ impact they speak of will be far greater felt, right smack bang in the middle of the very thing that the SAC aims to protect.
However, I will refrain from holding my breath on that one, as I have a feeling that despite their sudden passion for the environment over in the Ballyhooly, Killavullen and Glenville area where the proposed development is to take place, the same will not be seen here in Fermoy. Rather, it will be the opposite, they will do and say all that is right to ensure the vote, and I dare say I will hear the word ‘object’ from either councillor on the grounds of environment and ecological impact, nor will either be reiterating the fact that the area is an SAC.
As quoted in the Evening Echo by one of the councillors: “The need for renewable energy does not override environmental concerns which in this case are very very genuine.” Those very same concerns extend to any development not only here in Fermoy, but all along the river Blackwater. I should hope both will continue with this new mindset, but as I said already, I will not be holding my breath.
However, I wish the people of Ballyhooly, Killavillen and Glenville my best in their efforts to protect their health, property rights and their right to a health environment.
Daniel O’Brien
Ballyoran, Castlelyons.