DESPITE the fact that planning permission for a 14-turbine windfarm in the Gneeveguilla-Ballydesmond area has been refused by Kerry County Council – as revealed by KillarneyToday.com – the Sliabh Luachra Windfarm Awareness Group is determined to continue its campaign to create a greater public awareness of what it considers the key issues.
Tralee-based Silverbirch Renewables Ltd had plans for the location of turbines in Barna, Knocknageeha, Reanasup, Lisheen, Reaboy and Ballynahulla in addition to two permanent meteorological masts, a high voltage sub-station and two medium voltage sub-stations.
But Kerry County Council turned down the application on four grounds, understood to include considerations such as environmental, residential and visual impact. The developers have the option of referring the matter to An Bord Pleanala for adjudication.
Residents in Sliabh Luachra formed an action group to object to the planned development and several objections, including one group submission with 180 signatures, were submitted to planners.
In a statement this week the objectors said some people in the community are still not aware of the possibility of these wind turbines appearing on the landscape, with some just 500 metres from houses. To highlight concerns, the group will hold two public information evenings to show maps of the location of proposed development in relation to properties and to answer any questions raised.
The first meeting will be held in Ballydesmond Community Centre on Wednesday, June 7 and on Thursday, June 8 a meeting will be held in Teach Failte, Gneeveguillam, with both running from 7pm to 10pm.
The group has also written to all householders within a one kilometer radius of the proposed turbine sites informing them of possible implications.
“Sliabh Luachra Windfarm Awareness Group feels renewable energy is the way forward but it has to be located responsibly,” a statement said.
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