Fianna Fáil councillor among objectors to Offaly County Council’s decision to allow 80m mast

Cushina Wind Limited was granted permission for the development on February 23 last, subject to two conditions. The plans were lodged with the Council on October 26, 2023, and further information was requested on December 19. The location is Raheenakeeran, Walsh Island, Geashill, County Offaly.

Cushina Wind Ltd have said that “a temporary 80 metre met mast has been installed on the site to collect wind speed, direction, temperature, humidity and air pressure.

“An application has recently been submitted for the retention permission for the existing 80 meter meteorological mast.” The purpose of the mast is “in order to complete a wind site feasibility study.”

The plans attracted seven submissions, including from the Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Fianna Fáil Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick.

“I would ask that the planning department investigate further the reason for the retention of this mast and the future possibility of a wind farm development in this area which is currently seeing a number of large wind farm developments across North/East Offaly.

“I believe County Offaly has been very proactive in allowing wind energy developments over the last 14 years and we are now well within our energy targets so therefore I will not support any further wind energy developments in this area as we must protect the environment and heritage of this location of our county,” wrote Cllr Fitzpatrick.

Margaret and Joe Dunne submitted concerns: “We firmly believe that the granting of the proposed retention and development of all ancillary infrastructure at this site may have significant negative impacts on the well-being of our community and our natural environment if there is a potential windfarm developed at this site in the future.”

The Cushina river is “very close to where the mast is located and if developed in to a windfarm at a later date, the possibility of this river being polluted from the concrete foundations that will have to be constructed to secure the wind turbines is a high risk and the negative impact that this will have on the ecosystem at this site and the surrounding areas is immense.”

The Dunnes expressed concerns about the potential impact on flora and fauna, pollution, road blockages, increased traffic, residential devaluations, noise, dust, and shadow flicker, from a potential windfarm.

“Additionally, the visual impact of windfarms cannot be underestimated. The presence of large turbines, especially if their numbers increase due to the retention of the meteorological mast, will significantly alter the scenic landscape of our community with its breath-taking views of natural beauty and tranquillity where we call home.

“Currently there are three windfarms around us in Walsh Island, Mount Lucas, Edenderry and Monevane (currently under development) so we do not need another windfarm. We have done our bit for renewable energy and it is unfair to bring a fourth windfarm to us in Walsh Island.”

The Dunnes also wrote that the there is “no detail” in the planning application with regard to what the development of associated infrastructure will consist of, and “what impact this will have on the locality, community, environment, landscape, flora and fauna.”

The Dunnes appealed the Council’s decision to An Bord Pleanála on March 20 and the case is due to be decided by July 23 next.