Project Updates

The team at Ballykett Green Energy are delighted to continue their pre-planning consultation on a potential wind energy development in Ballykett, near Kilrush Co. Clare, this project would form a key part of the Government’s plan to enhance clean electricity generation and reduce CO₂ emissions in Ireland.

OUR ENGAGEMENT TO DATE:

As part of our initial engagement with the surrounding community, we have so far:

• Mailed an introductory letter and brochure outlining key project information to the local community
• Directly engaged with local councillors and political representatives to introduce the project and the team
• In July and August 2022 we visited all residential properties within 1km of a proposed turbine location. Where we did not get to speak with anyone, we left our contact details
• Had direct conversations with residents who requested a face-to-face meeting in the area and continue to be available for home visits for those interested in talking to us about the project
• Engaged with online and print media to publicly advertise the beginning of the consultation and raise awareness of the project

We would like to thank everyone who engaged with us to date, and we look forward to continuing to engage with people and businesses in the local community to inform them more about the project plans and take on board viewpoints as we begin to shape the proposed plans for the Ballykett Green Energy project.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

To provide further clarity on the proposed project, we have used feedback obtained from our consultation to date and updated our key questions to make this information available to everyone.

The most common questions related to Noise, Shadow Flicker. The information we provided in response to these queries are detailed below.

IS THERE NOISE FROM THE WIND TURBINES?

The evolution of wind farm technology over the past decade has greatly reduced acoustic emissions from wind turbines, with the main sound being the aerodynamic swoosh of the blades passing the tower. This can normally be heard when standing close to the turbine. There are strict guidelines in the planning regulations on wind turbines acoustic emissions to ensure the protection of residential

Ireland’s Wind Energy Guidelines specify noise limits at neighbouring properties at between 35 and 45 dB(A)7 depending on the time of day and the level of background noise.

Household examples: A fridge typically generates a sound level of around 32-47 dB A washing machine is usually a minimum of 71 dB

WHAT IS SHADOW FLICKER AND HOW IS IT DEALT WITH?

Shadow flicker is the effect of the sun (low on the horizon) shining through the rotating blades of a wind turbine, casting a moving shadow. It will be perceived as a “flicker” due to the rotating blades repeatedly casting the shadow.

As part of the planning process, a shadow flicker assessment is carried out to determine the potential for shadow flicker at any dwelling. Planning guidelines (as linked above in the draft 2019 planning guidelines, the older local projects do not have this requirement in the 2006 guidelines) require that any effects of shadow flicker be mitigated by installing solar sensors on the turbines which automatically shut down the turbine during times of possible shadow flicker. Therefore, there will be no shadow flicker experienced at any dwelling. We can provide surety that this will be specified clearly as part of our planning application and would be a planning condition if successfully granted. Ballykett Green Energy has committed to zero shadow flicker at a dwelling.

GET IN TOUCH

As a local Irish firm, we believe in working in partnership with the community to deliver wind energy projects that are socially responsible, with substantial benefits to the community, and where community participation plays a central role in how the proposed project progresses. We will therefore continue the consultation process with further opportunities for the community to engage with us and to stay up to date with project developments.

If you would like to meet with the team to discuss the project, we would be happy to schedule a home visit or phone call, in line with COVID-19 Government health advice.

Call us on either 061 975 200 or contact us via email to info@ballykettgreenenergy.ie.

Please use this link to download the project overview leaflet. 

Please note we expect to update updated the Project Information page to include maps outlining the proposed location of the project study area and construction site entrance in the coming weeks.

We have compiled the latest research on Climate Action and Renewable energy. Please use this link to download. 

We intend to lodge a planning application to Clare County Council in the month of June 2023. 

The planning application for Ballykett Green Energy is now available on the Clare County Council website. The application can be viewed here.

Please use this link to view photomontages for the proposed Ballykett Green Energy project. 

 A planning application for the proposed Ballykett Green Energy project has now been lodged to Clare County Council. 

Ballykett Green Energy has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála regarding the recent decision by Clare County Council to refuse planning permission for the proposed 4 turbine wind farm in Ballykett. 

Ballykett Green Energy notes the revised decision timeline of the project. We look forward to hearing the outcome of An Bórd Pleanála’s decision in due course. As we await the decision, community consultation continues via phone and email. We wish the local community a merry Christmas.