Communities either side of the border in Laois and Kilkenny have united in their condemnation a proposed new wind farm in the area.
Residents of Durrow, County Laois, and Ballynaslee, two kilometres south in County Kilkenny, turned out in large numbers to demonstrate their opposition to the latest proposed wind farm development.
Organisers of the protest said this new development “would involve the installation of ‘mega’ offshore-scale turbines across the Midlands’ scenic landscape.”
Organised by the NoToSeskinWindFarm campaign group, the protest aimed to visually demonstrate the scale and potential disruption of the project.
In a “powerful” display, five articulated lorries and trailers, “matching the projected size and scale of turbine components”, travelled through the area to simulate how the turbines would be transported.
Organisers says that one turbine blade and its transporter “would span more than 82 metres in length.”
In Durrow, locals gathered on the historic Tae Lane, where the convoy paused to highlight the impact such development would have on this part of the town.
According to the group, the planning application “would require the removal of native trees and the dismantling of the local pump to facilitate turbine transport, effectively transforming the area into a construction site for an extended period.”
Residents also raised serious concerns about the safety and practicality of transporting and hoisting “multi-tonne turbine blades” over homes along the route.
The demonstration continued to Ballynaslee, located near the N77 national route, which serves as the main access point for the proposed site.
To further address growing local concern, an emergency public meeting will be held on this evening (Thursday, August 7) at 8pm in The Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow.
The meeting will provide a forum for residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to discuss the proposal and its potential consequences for the area.
SEE ALSO – Martina Mulhall: ‘Trust your vision’ – Heidi Higgins on building a career in Irish fashion
