WIND Energy Ireland has disputed claims made by the Broadford to Oatfield Windfarm Action group.
Last month, the Broadford to Oatfield Windfarm Action Group told The Clare Echo that there was “mounting evidence of the detrimental ecological impact, noise pollution, and shadow flicker that windfarms bring to nearby residents”.
The group added that there are currently six windfarms seeking planning approval in a concentrated area of East Clare which would total some 61 turbines, while also citing traffic concerns in the area, particularly around Sixmilebridge.
However, Wind Energy Ireland has contacted The Clare Echo, disputing information put forward by the group.
Yvonne O’Brien, regional public affairs manager with Wind Energy Ireland, told The Clare Echo in a statement from the group that there are four wind farms currently seeking planning approval in East Clare, all of which are “entirely seperate companies”.
“The intention – to build wind farms – is transparent. We trust the planning authorities to be robust but fair in their examination of the merits of the projects in the context of what is appropriate for an area and in conjunction with our collective obligations in relation to climate action.”
Ms O’Brien also stressed that wind farms use technology to prevent shadow flicker, also citing a World Health Organisation 2018 study found “no evidence” or “low quality” evidence of any health impacts from wind turbine noise.
On the potential impacts of traffic management, she said, “Contractors who open roads for the purpose of laying cables from a wind farm to the electricity grid are required to be licensed by the State and obliged among other things to keep traffic flowing as freely as possible and reduce the impact of the roadworks to a minimum. Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland may set requirements that the contractor is obliged to follow – predictions of a decade of traffic disruption are unfounded and overstated.”
She added, “Misleading and exaggerate claims about wind farms are made and at times repeated and shared as though they were fact, without sound or indeed any reference points. Misinformation and disinformation abound. Wind farm community liaison officers and project teams stand ready to have conversations and work through concerns with anyone and everyone in East Clare.”
