Agenda item

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Frank Dolan;

"I propose that we as a Council seriously consider in the new development plan what is acceptable in relation to wind farms.  The latest proposals coming forward for wind turbines is that of enormous height and proximity to family homes is also of concern to the general public. While wind energy may be necessary going forward how it is done must be considered."

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

"The Elected Members will be afforded an opportunity to consider the draft Development Plan for a period of up to 8 weeks once submitted to them by the Chief Executive. This will include the Renewable Energy Strategy and in particular, the proposed policy in relation to siting and location of wind farms. The policy must have regard to the Wind Energy Guidelines (2006) to ensure Ireland meets its national reductions in energy and greenhouse gas emissions targets.

The Council are aware from previous presentations on the draft County Development Plan that a draft of revised Wind Energy Guidelines was published in December 2019. These includes minimum separation distances which include regard to the height of the structures (minimum 500 metre separation distance or 4 times the tip height of the turbine). The Departments are in the process of preparing finalised guidelines having undertaken detailed consideration and analysis of the 500 no. submissions received. The draft Development Plan will also have regard to these revised Guidelines."

Councillor Frank Dolan outlined that he has received a lot of correspondence over the last few months expressing serious concerns in relation to wind farms. He highlighted that there are a lot of objections regarding the siting of windfarms at enormous heights and their proximity to family homes.

Councillor Sean McDermott supported the motion and said wind farms are far too large and they are having an impact on the skyline and the environment.  Councillor McDermott acknowledged that the development of wind energy has to be considered.

Councillor Felim Gurn said wind energy should be put out at sea and a debate should take place around this.

Councillor Justin Warnock said he was totally opposed to any more windfarms outlining that there is no consideration given to local people and technology should be used to develop wave energy.

Councillor Des Guckian supported the motion and said a total ban on further windfarms should be put in the County Development Plan and they should be located off the coast where they are not interfering with anyone.

Councillor Padraig Fallon supported the motion and proposed that contact is made with other authorities to give an idea of what they are doing in this regard. Councillor Fallon said he was not opposed to wind farms as a number of local families will benefit from them.   However, he didn’t want to see the county littered with them and proper consultation needs to take place.

Councillor Enda McGloin outlined the need to be mindful in playing our part, to have a happy medium, control the size of them to minimise  impact.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Bohan said apart from the visual impact it is more serious for the people that live beside them. She noted the application at Lisnagroagh will not be decided by Leitrim County Council, but will go before An Bord Pleanala for decision because of its size.

Mr Bernard Greene, Senior Planner said Leitrim Planning Authority will have a role to play in the Lisnagroagh windfarm application.  An Bord Pleanala will require the Council to prepare and submit a comprehensive report on the application. This will be brought before the Members for consideration before its submission to an Bord Pleanala.

He further outlined that a Renewable Energy Strategy and the proposed policy in relation to siting and location of windfarms will be included in the draft County Development Plan and will come before the Members for consideration.