REPRESENTATIVES from AirNav Ireland and Shannon Airport are to brief Clare County Council on the potential aviation issues caused by planned onshore windfarms in the county.
Shannon Airport’s critical role to the economy of the Mid-West was highlighted by Cllr Rachel Hartigan (FF) when she asked that the risk of onshore windfarms to aviation in the county be explored.
In a proposal, Cllr Hartigan asked that AirNav Ireland and Shannon Airport representatives brief the County Council “on the issues the industry is facing with regards to onshore windfarms planned in the county”.
Senior executive officer in Corporate Services, John Corry since issued this request to both parties. Efforts to organise the briefing are ongoing.
Speaking in the Council Chamber, Cllr Hartigan said she has liaised with both AirNav Ireland and the Shannon Airport Group, “they are very keen to come in and speak to elected members”.
There are “significant concerns that they have on flight paths and aviation radars, these are not minor technical issues. We can all recognise Shannon Airport is critical to the economy of Clare but also to the wider region not just as an employer but for driving connectivity”.
Seconding the proposal, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) stated, “there is no doubt that everyone in the Chamber has been approached by people in their community. We don’t seem to protect community very well whereas we are good to look after wildlife”. The Kilrush representative said he was “very interested” to hear their contributions in the Chamber.
Elected members would benefit from such a discussion, Cllr Conor Ryan (FG) outlined, “We’ve all been contacted by concerned residents, it would be something to get good and valuable information on”. Support was also issued by Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) with Cllr Haritgan hopeful the meeting would be arranged “as soon as possible”.
