Firm behind Clare windfarm insists it would 'play central role' in transition to low-carbon economy

The backers of a proposed wind farm in east Clare have stated it will adhere to all "safety and operational requirements", following objections from Shannon Airport and air-traffic management bodies.

Limerick firm, Ballycar Green Energy has plans before An Bord Pleanala for a 12 turbine wind-farm, to be located on a 105 hectare site neighbouring the townland of Ballycar, to the north of Meelick, county Clare.

Both AirNav Ireland, the commercial semi-State agency responsible for air traffic management in Irish airspace, and Shannon Airport have lodged objections to the 50MW wind farm.

Manager Surveillance M&E Systems, AirNav Ireland, Charlie O’Loughlin told the appeals board that Airnav Ireland objects to the wind farm as the development would result in a reduction in the level of safety in the Shannon en-route and Dublin air traffic control centres which depend on the Woodcock Hill radar station.

Mr O’Loughlin contends that the proposed wind-farm “would degrade the performance of the Woodcock Hill Radar”, due to the proximity and scale of the proposed development.

Read More: Shannon Airport and AirNav Ireland object to East Clare wind farm over radar station impacts

He went on to say there are no credible and implementable mitigation measures on the Woodcock Hill Radar itself to eliminate the Radar beam deflections, reflections and shadowing from the proposed turbines, and that the development “would compromise the Woodcock Hill radar’s compliance with EU mandated surveillance performance criteria”. 

In a separate objection, Shannon Airport’s Safety Compliance and Environment Manager, Paul Hennessy told An Bord Pleanala that the airport objects to the wind farm as no mitigation measures can prevent impacts on the Woodcock Hill radar.

Ballycar Green Energy have issued a statement to Clare Live, saying the company "notes AirNav's submission and will demonstrate that all safety and operational requirements will be adhered to and will provide technical information to further confirm and support this to An Bord Pleanála and AirNav Ireland".

"The Ballycar wind farm proposal is designed in compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maximising energy output," the statement continued.

"The proposed project would play a central role in Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050.

"If approved, the wind farm has the potential to displace almost 2 million tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime and will provide the capacity to power more than 30,000 homes."

Ballycar Green Energy also stated they would generate "a Community Benefit Fund estimated at €3.75 million over the first 15 years of operation which could be utilised on sustainable initiatives for the growth and development of the local area."

An Bord Pleanála have received a number of other submissions objecting to the development, including submissions from Clare TD Cathal Crowe and Clare Senator Timmy Dooley, as well as from local families.

Mary, James and Noel Fitzgerald are members of a farm family from Oatfield, Sixmilebridge who have farmed the land at the location for the past 176 years.

They have told the appeals board they have “serious concerns” and the effect it will have on the family farm, stating that when the Ballycar wind farm is taken in conjunction with another planned wind farm for the area “we will be surrounded by a staggering 33 massive turbines”.

They contend that the planned wind farm “feels like an assault on the community and the very fabric of rural life”.