Windfarm projects have been the source of much controversy across the Kildare area already and the latest development concerns a proposal to build a set of wind turbines at a site in Eadestown, just outside Naas nearing the Kildare / Wicklow border.

Residents have significant concerns and they have raised these with me. I have tabled a motion for the next full meeting of the County Council to suspend planning applications on such projects until greater finality exists around national and local guidelines.

This proposal came out of the blue really in Eadestown. Residents organised a public meeting in Eadestown GAA Hall, which I attended last Wednesday. There was understandable concern given that the site is pretty much at the heart of Eadestown village on a hill just between the church and the GAA field and very close to many houses and the village centre. There is also a concern that if the project starts here, before long the entire green belt from Ballymore to Kilteel would be spinning.

Regardless of the merits or demerits of any individual proposals however, my own strong view is that the industry is still so new and with guidelines being still in draft, that it would be premature to consider any application at this stage. Kildare County Council only published a draft policy paper on wind energy last December as a prelude to a full county wind energy policy due in the next couple of months. Given this activity, along with the fact that national guidelines are still in a state of flux, I think it would make sense at this stage to put the brakes on any new planning applications until we have the full picture and have access to best practice, up to date, guidelines at local and national level.

Wind farms are controversial also in West Kildare, Carbury, Derrinturn and many other areas may be similarly affected. If this motion is passed, it would have the effect of buying ‘breathing space’ for the whole county, and allow the planners and policy makers the chance to take stock and ensure practice is up to date with emerging technologies and trends elsewhere.

International best practice would suggest for example a far greater setback distance, current guidelines deal with a 500m setback for wind turbines, which is very far out of international standards now, with 6 to 10 times the turbine height being more normal.

These proposals will have massive impact on local residents and at the very least the people of Eadestown and the rest of Kildare deserve planning decisions to be made on up to date guidelines, best practice and best international standards. I hope other Councillors will get behind my motion at the next meeting and ensure the people and landscape of Kildare is safeguarded.

For reference the full text of my motion is below:

“That this Council places a moratorium on any new planning applications for wind energy projects until such time as the county wind energy strategy has been completed and approved (including if necessary a variation to the county development plan). This council agrees that it would be premature to consider any new applications prior to that county wind strategy, and other emergent national guidelines, being finalised and in force. It is proposed to exempt from this moratorium applications concerning turbines at a total height including extended blade of 50m or less in order to accommodate small scale domestic or agricultural projects”.