Council votes to recommend refusal of Lyrenacarriga Wind Farm

The majority of council members from Waterford City and County Council have endorsed the executive’s report recommending a refusal of planning to An Bord Pleanala regarding the planning application for Lyrenacarriga Wind Farm.

A vote taken at the meeting recorded 25 councillors voting to support and endorse the executive’s report, one abstention, four against and two absent.

Director of Services, Economic Development and Planning for Waterford City and County Council Michael Quinn, reminded council members that while the council has no direct role in the decision, the council is required to submit a report and to seek members’ views on the proposed development.

Local councillor James Tobin, who chaired the first meeting regarding the Lyrenacarriga wind farm roughly five years ago, commended the committee which was set up regarding the development.

“A committee was set up and I would have to thank or congratulate that committee because they opposed this development, they opposed it with dignity, with honesty and with calmness. There was no conflict because there is no place for conflict in a small community.

“They opposed it for all the right reasons and for all the reasons that have now been given by the executive and the planning department of Waterford County Council,” Cllr Tobin said.

He also acknowledged that over 1,000 submissions have been made to An Bord Pleanala regarding the planning application and that Cork County Council has also voted to oppose the planning application.

“I hope now that An Bord Pleanala at least abides by the views of two different county councils and that they refuse this planning for the good of the people of West Waterford and for the good of the people of Cork.

“I fully endorse the chief executive’s report as presented which recommends a refusal for the proposed development,” Cllr Tobin said.

Cllr John Pratt stated that he was ‘ delighted’ the council would send in a recommendation for refusal of the development.

“I am happy to second the proposal and I want to thank the council. There are genuine reasons as to why this shouldn’t go ahead,” he said.

Both councillord Conor D McGuinness and Thomas Phelan also endorsed the executive’s report, however requested that it be acknowledged that the council are not taking a stance against wind energy and renewable energies but rather this particular development.

Cllr Declan Doocey also commended the report, noting that the local community would ‘appreciate’ the management council’s support.

“There was a lot of stress on families homes and a lot of upset on this, we’re looking forward that it will be a successful opposition,” he said.

Some councillors however voted in opposition to the development, stressing the need for climate change action.

Tramore based councillor Joe Conway claimed that ‘we all must do our bit’ in the fight against climate change.

“This climate change won’t affect most of us here but for those of us who want to leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren, I want to say I did my bit.

“This humble development in Waterford will displace two and a half million metric tonnes of carbon in the atmosphere, that could be our little contribution,” Cllr Conway said.

Cheekpoint-based councillor Jody Power also voted against the executive’s report, noting that West Waterford was designated the most suitable site for wind turbines.

Cllr Power also pointed to the Great Island Power Station which those in East Waterford have had to ‘endure’ for over 60 years.

“Now it’s your (West Waterford’s) turn to play your part to keep Waterford and the nation’s energy needs met.

“To reject their presence because of their looks and because your vista is going to be destroyed in our hours of greatest need is indeed petty to the extreme and portrays us in Waterford as backward and ignorant,” Cllr Power said.