PROPOSED WIND FARMS

paidinanthony

Application with the relevant planning authorities for the erection of these massive wind turbines may take place by end of this year.Just wondering are the rural residents in Westmeath and surrounding counties concerned about this? I certainly am.I sense great lack of concern and awareness of what is comming down the tracks !

nice_guy80

a lot of apathy out there alright

the companies involved are being very clever by alienating the various people involved

the IFA also are being very shortsighted

Chloe Pink

paidinanthony wrote: »

Application with the relevant planning authorities for the erection of these massive wind turbines may take place by end of this year.Just wondering are the rural residents in Westmeath and surrounding counties concerned about this? I certainly am.

"Plans to build 2,300 wind turbines across the midlands to supply electricity to the UK"

That's reason for grave concern - I posted a new thread on the Midlands forum although it doesn't seem well visited so glad you posted here.

Although conceived years ago, this matter is hitting the news now and has serious implications for many.

The McGlinchey situation - "planning approval to operate without noise constraint" - 5.59mins into video

http://ruralprotectiongroup.com/inde...r-a-wind-farm/

Kept awake by turbines 2-3 nights of the week (5.20mins into video)
14 turbines, closest 1700 metres from house
34 operational
Will soon be 111 in total within 4 mile radius

Mclincheys also in this article
http://www.tyronecon.co.uk/articles/...rmation-event/

Some wind turbine Information group links for starters but first steps are to mobilise your community and gather information on which land is now under contract for potential wind development.

http://lwig.net/index.html
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lakelands-Windfarm-Information-Group/441901932538961
https://twitter.com/lwig2012
http://connemaraagainstwindfarms.com/wp/


There's also been a long thread on it in the After Hours forum on it with lots about the noise issues.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showt...php?p=83387695


Recent press articles

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...329371495.html
"Mr Duncan said the British government “appears to be delighted that Irish people seem less aware of the noise and visual pollution associated with wind turbines [and] don’t actually understand the scale of them”."

"A number of companies are seeking to erect up to 2,300 wind turbines, each some 185m high, across five midland counties. The power they generated would be exported to Britain via the electricity interconnector with Wales."

"Richard Tol, economics professor at University of Sussex and formerly of the Economic and Social Research Institute, said it was a “good deal” from the British perspective, but for Ireland, it would amount to “giving away the family silver”."

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/55b02510-6...#ixzz2Mw2ZTLDr
"But the proposal to build multiple wind farms in Ireland to supply UK customers has prompted opposition among environmentalists in Ireland. Wind farm information groups have sprung up in parts of the country, expressing concern about the scale of the proposals."

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...330792044.html
Plans to build 2,300 wind turbines across the midlands to supply electricity to the UK were described last night at a public meeting as an “outrage”. Local people in the Co Laois village of Ballyroan called for a moratorium on Government proposals to locate wind turbines in five midland counties until proper environmental assessments take place"

"Mr Duncan said such turbines had only been seen at sea before and were “monsters”.
“It’s been planned for a long time back. You’ve got to get up and get angry,” he said.
“It is going to railroaded through the people of the midlands unless we rise up.”
Engineer Pat Swords, who is taking a case to the High Court in relation to the European Union’s attitude to renewable energy targets, said local people were entitled under the terms of the Aarhus convention to be consulted about the proposals."

Chloe Pink

nice_guy80 wrote: »

a lot of apathy out there alright

the companies involved are being very clever by alienating the various people involved

the IFA also are being very shortsighted

Well at the moment (might change if wind developers start voting if they haven't already), the poll here shows that 45% of voters do not you welcome the announcement of plans to export wind energy to Britain?
10% abstain
http://www.thejournal.ie/poll-wind-e...67015-Jan2013/
So that's a good start

I agree re the IFA, I wouldn't rely on the IFAs advice re signing a contract for my land (not that I would sign a contract with any wind developer)

nice_guy80

I also wouldn't trust any research or testing into the harmful affects of windfarms

Most of those studies are funding by, or influenced by the wind power industry

I heard these windfarms are part of the terms of the multi-billion inter-governmental loan that the UK gave to Ireland a few years back to dig us out of a hole?

Chloe Pink

nice_guy80 wrote: »

I also wouldn't trust any research or testing into the harmful affects of windfarms

Most of those studies are funding by, or influenced by the wind power industry

I heard these windfarms are part of the terms of the multi-billion inter-governmental loan that the UK gave to Ireland a few years back to dig us out of a hole?

You're spot on there - the energy barons have infiltrated many corners of the planet (that's big business for you) and you have to search out those truly independent research diamonds - they do exist.

Hermy

Initially I would have said wind power was the way forward but reading various comments here and elsewhere from those opposed to the idea it seems it isn't just nimbi-ism but that there are genuine concerns and I now wouldn't be in quite such a hurry to support this industry.

Are there any merits to wind farms as an alternative power source?

Also, have any locations been suggested yet for these farms? I live close to a peat processing plant and suspect that as soon as their bog runs out of peat or the EU tells them to stop that the area will be designated suitable for wind turbines which may be a bit too close for comfort!

paidinanthony

I think most people would agree that wind power has merits.However the sheer size of these turbines is alarming.If some one told me they were looking to erect a structure 184 metres high ,I would have said the were crazy to even apply for permission. This is exactly what these wind energy developers are planning and hundreds of them. Lots of land owners have already signed secret deals for turbines to be erected on their lands if planning goes ahead.Untill the planning application is lodged it is not certain the proposed sites.This will divide communities.Land owners are being very short sighted and seem to have little concern for their neighbours quality of life,health, or property values.All they see is quick euros and to hell with anyone who lives beside them.

Chloe Pink

Hermy wrote: »

Also, have any locations been suggested yet for these farms? I live close to a peat processing plant and suspect that as soon as their bog runs out of peat or the EU tells them to stop that the area will be designated suitable for wind turbines which may be a bit too close for comfort!

They'll go where they can find compliant landowners http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=83607138&postcount=622
Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois
http://www.greenwire.ie/greenwire-pr...arm-locations/
Don't know about Mainstream

rancher

Chloe Pink wrote: »

Well at the moment (might change if wind developers start voting if they haven't already), the poll here shows that 45% of voters do not you welcome the announcement of plans to export wind energy to Britain?
10% abstain
http://www.thejournal.ie/poll-wind-e...67015-Jan2013/
So that's a good start

I agree re the IFA, I wouldn't rely on the IFAs advice re signing a contract for my land (not that I would sign a contract with any wind developer)

Where did you get the idea IFA were promoting wind turbines, nobody is being advised to sign up anyway. I'd say most members are against them

Chloe Pink

rancher wrote: »

Where did you get the idea IFA were promoting wind turbines, nobody is being advised to sign up anyway. I'd say most members are against them

Here http://www.greenwire.ie/media/ireland/articles/ifa-and-element-agree-wind-farm-package/ unless Element Power (Greenwire) are abusing the IFA's name.

If people don't sign up, or don't sign up in sufficient numbers, the project can't go ahead.
I do know some landowners (in relation to another project) who were told that thye might as well sign up as their land would be compulsory purchased anyway - complete bull and appalling that the developers tried such tactics.

rancher

Chloe Pink wrote: »

Here http://www.greenwire.ie/media/ireland/articles/ifa-and-element-agree-wind-farm-package/ unless Element Power (Greenwire) are abusing the IFA's name.

If people don't sign up, or don't sign up in sufficient numbers, the project can't go ahead.
I do know some landowners (in relation to another project) who were told that thye might as well sign up as their land would be compulsory purchased anyway - complete bull and appalling that the developers tried such tactics.

I doubt if John bryan has the backing of all the members on that, I know that farmers signed up to a poor deal at the beginning and IFA got involved to try to improve the deal,
I hear that some of the Gaybrook objectors have been approached to take a turbine, even a politician......interesting times ahead!!!

nice_guy80

The IFA have been heavily backing this project

they see it as easy money for the farmers for the next 20 years
especially those not living near where the turbines will be built

many of them have got totally different payments compared to others. some have signed for pitifully small sums
you are not allowed divulge how much you get! breach of contract. And the contract is supposedly over 100 pages long!

landowners are being played off each other to get them to sign up eg 'sure both John and Tom down the road have signed up'
then they go to John and say that 'arra sure Paul and Tom have signed up'

animals in close proximity to these huge structures do not put on weight compared to other sites due to stress
the humming noise off the turbines will be insufferable.
who will remove the concrete bases after the 20 years??
where will any jobs come from?? the turbines will be built in China or Germany, and once built monitored from an office most likely in Dublin.
the list goes on

I am not even living in an area where any turbines will be built

Marooned75

rancher wrote: »

Where did you get the idea IFA were promoting wind turbines, nobody is being advised to sign up anyway. I'd say most members are against them

A meeting that was held in bloomfield before christmas also the two meetings that were held in Tullamore and Portlaoise by the IFA before christmas and also might i point out to you the IFA news section in the farmers journal were prominent members of the IFA had there pictures taken with members of both Mainstream and Greenwire directors.So how is that you say the IFA is not promoting windfarms when IFA members have been photographed with windfarm developers?

rancher

Marooned75 wrote: »

A meeting that was held in bloomfield before christmas also the two meetings that were held in Tullamore and Portlaoise by the IFA before christmas and also might i point out to you the IFA news section in the farmers journal were prominent members of the IFA had there pictures taken with members of both Mainstream and Greenwire directors.So how is that you say the IFA is not promoting windfarms when IFA members have been photographed with windfarm developers?

Like I said before they had to help the farmers renegotiate the terms and conditions of the option agreement, the same as they negotiated the roads deal or do you think they were promoting destroying all those farms with motorways. I'm a member of IFA I certainly don't want them near me

Hermy

nice_guy80 wrote: »

animals in close proximity to these huge structures do not put on weight compared to other sites due to stress

Where's the study that makes this claim?

Marooned75

rancher wrote: »

Like I said before they had to help the farmers renegotiate the terms and conditions of the option agreement, the same as they negotiated the roads deal or do you think they were promoting destroying all those farms with motorways. I'm a member of IFA I certainly don't want them near me

When these firms tried to get farmers in England to sign the NFU told its members not to sign up yet our boys urge people to sign up to the best deal on your land you ll get.Has the IFA looked at the changes in taxation on farms ie.agricultural to commercial taxation,changes to planning for sons or daughters for houses basically signing over your land and its uses for up to 35 years and have no say in it.I have seen one of these contracts,you would need to be an expert in lease laws at over 1/2thick there is plenty in the small print to tie people in knots when they realise to late to what they signed.Advise I don't think so.

nice_guy80

Hermy wrote: »

Where's the study that makes this claim?

ask any farmer who has animals in the vicinity of them

rancher

Marooned75 wrote: »

When these firms tried to get farmers in England to sign the NFU told its members not to sign up yet our boys urge people to sign up to the best deal on your land you ll get.Has the IFA looked at the changes in taxation on farms ie.agricultural to commercial taxation,changes to planning for sons or daughters for houses basically signing over your land and its uses for up to 35 years and have no say in it.I have seen one of these contracts,you would need to be an expert in lease laws at over 1/2thick there is plenty in the small print to tie people in knots when they realise to late to what they signed.Advise I don't think so.

Farmers asked for help, especially those who had already signed, had they not responded, you'd be up here with a different criticism or more of your usual rubbish and lies, had you been at those meetings you would have heard farmers being warned of all the implications you have highlighted, you would have heard farmers being told to consult their solicitors and accountants, but instead you have to spew out this rubbish. You would have heard the top table say they were not for or against wind turbines, but of course you weren't there or you weren't listening

Marooned75

rancher wrote: »

Farmers asked for help, especially those who had already signed, had they not responded, you'd be up here with a different criticism or more of your usual rubbish and lies, had you been at those meetings you would have heard farmers being warned of all the implications you have highlighted, you would have heard farmers being told to consult their solicitors and accountants, but instead you have to spew out this rubbish. You would have heard the top table say they were not for or against wind turbines, but of course you weren't there or you weren't listening

Not for or against get a grip will ya if that was the case why are certain members of the IFA getting there photos taken with members of said companies and sign deals with them as per IFA news letter in the farmers journal.If that is what you call neither for or against them your vision of the truth is certainly far removed from reality.I was there and basically the top table could not have been more in favour of them.

rancher

Marooned75 wrote: »

Not for or against get a grip will ya if that was the case why are certain members of the IFA getting there photos taken with members of said companies and sign deals with them as per IFA news letter in the farmers journal.If that is what you call neither for or against them your vision of the truth is certainly far removed from reality.I was there and basically the top table could not have been more in favour of them.

Wrong again, there was no deal sgned by IFA, they improved the terms of the option agreement and put it before the farmers and it was up to them whether they want to sign up to it.
I'm sure I could find pictures from the journal of myself with the national roads authority, but it didn't mean I wanted the motorway through my farm.....in fact the opposite

Hermy

nice_guy80 wrote: »

ask any farmer who has animals in the vicinity of them

I'll need something better than this to convince me one way or the other.

By the way, was anyone at the public meeting in Rathowen last night?
I wasn't able to attend and just wondered how it went?

Marooned75

rancher wrote: »

Wrong again, there was no deal sgned by IFA, they improved the terms of the option agreement and put it before the farmers and it was up to them whether they want to sign up to it.
I'm sure I could find pictures from the journal of myself with the national roads authority, but it didn't mean I wanted the motorway through my farm.....in fact the opposite

Not wrong and you know it was at the meetings heard all what was said and by the way the NRA decisions were mostly by compulsory orders so how would you find pictures in the journal.What was the pictures of then in the journal of members with these companies after signing deals?A meet and greet your argument about putting to us farmers wether we wanted them or not does nt hold much water when these pictures appear of ye hob nobbing with these companies.If as you say ye are neither for or against them surely the correct course would be not to be seen with these companies in the intrests of balance.So as you say no deal was signed how does all this PR appear to you then?

Marooned75

rancher wrote: »

Farmers asked for help, especially those who had already signed, had they not responded, you'd be up here with a different criticism or more of your usual rubbish and lies, had you been at those meetings you would have heard farmers being warned of all the implications you have highlighted, you would have heard farmers being told to consult their solicitors and accountants, but instead you have to spew out this rubbish. You would have heard the top table say they were not for or against wind turbines, but of course you weren't there or you weren't listening

"different criticism or more of your usual rubbish and lies," what a reply would not expect anythind less from you.I certainly didnt write rubbish or lies.

rancher

Marooned75 wrote: »

d and by the way the NRA decisions were mostly by compulsory orders so how would you find pictures in the journal.?

For your information

http://www.ifa.ie/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=QZ4BLHfkeRI%3D&tabid=807

This deal was negotiated in 2001, the landowner involved could either avail of this deal or the original CPO terms, I can assure you 90% went with the IFA deal

Marooned75

rancher wrote: »

For your information

http://www.ifa.ie/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=QZ4BLHfkeRI%3D&tabid=807

This deal was negotiated in 2001, the landowner involved could either avail of this deal or the original CPO terms, I can assure you 90% went with the IFA deal

Fair enough.So can you put up the deal the IFA has signed with the wind energy companies.At least then it should clear up the confusion surrounding what is printed in the Farmers Journal.

rancher

Marooned75 wrote: »

Fair enough.So can you put up the deal the IFA has signed with the wind energy companies.At least then it should clear up the confusion surrounding what is printed in the Farmers Journal.

No deal signed as far as i know, The original option agreement was heavily weighted in favour of the wind company, IFA got the farmers to stop signing up until the companies negotiated a fairer agreement, they then came back to the farmers with what was offered and it was left to the farmers themselves to decide if it was good enough and as far as I know, farmers still have the option to sign up to the original agreement or the improved one

nice_guy80

farmers should be encouraged to farm by the IFA, not allow giant turbines be built on their land

Land, which they are only holding in trust before the next generation use it

Chloe Pink

Article in Irish Examiner:
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland...or-225867.html

Summary:
'A group of families in a north Cork village are suing a wind farm operator in a landmark case; the seven families from Banteer claim they have been severely impacted, particularly through noise pollution, since the turbines began operating in Nov 2011.'

'The case in the UK of (Jane & Julian Davis) was settled out of court and included a confidentiality clause.'

'A couple living near Roscommon town were forced to leave their home because of the effect a nearby turbine was having on their health.'


"Last year, the Noise and Health journal published results from a US survey which compared sleeping patterns between a group living within a mile of a wind farm, and another beyond that distance.

The study suggested that the former group’s sleeping was directly impacted by the operation of the turbines. It is believed to be the first study to show a relationship between the wind farms and what the journal calls the “important clinical indicators of health, including sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and mental health”.

"So far, no legislation has been passed in relation to wind turbines [in Ireland]."

"The guidelines are being reviewed by the Department of the Environment, which is expected to report in the coming months."

'Major development in the Midlands for 2,000 turbines has caused uproar in some quarters' with public meetings called across the Midlands by residents'


Also another turbine collapses in Maas, between the Co Donegal villages of Glenties and Ardara.
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news...-29151242.html
"An investigation is under way after a €1.5m wind turbine collapsed during a storm just yards from a popular cycling route"

nice_guy80

there's a fundraising table quiz for the windfarms group this evening in Bloomfield

Greensleeves

The role of the IFA in the wind turbine saga is harshly criticized by Senator John Whelan in this article from the Sunday Independent (7 April 2013).

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/community-groups-whip-up-a-wind-farm-storm-29179102.html

Speaking to the Sunday Independent, Mr Whelan claimed "the IFA have abandoned rural communities with their unbridled backing for giant wind farms across large tracts of the West and the Midlands".

rancher

Greensleeves wrote: »

The role of the IFA in the wind turbine saga is harshly criticized by Senator John Whelan in this article from the Sunday Independent (7 April 2013).

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/community-groups-whip-up-a-wind-farm-storm-29179102.html

Speaking to the Sunday Independent, Mr Whelan claimed "the IFA have abandoned rural communities with their unbridled backing for giant wind farms across large tracts of the West and the Midlands".

A wannabe TD using a the wind turbine issue to court votes.... not too hard to see through that one.

Chloe Pink

rancher wrote: »

A wannabe TD using a the wind turbine issue to court votes.... not too hard to see through that one.

No, just someone withg some insight who realises this is bad news for rural communities and for the country and he's not alone - look what's happened in the UK:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/ene...-from-MPs.html

"Wind farm developers are facing a dramatic escalation of opposition from dozens of MPs who say they will fight every application in their constituencies."
"In a fresh protest against the Government’s support for onshore wind turbines, backbenchers said their constituencies had reached “tipping point” and would be ruined by further development."

And if the government can do this to the Midlands, they can do it to the rest of Ireland
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news...-29195855.html
"EirGrid says companies have expressed an interest in building another 13,000MW of capacity – which could result in up to 4,300 turbines being installed."

More on this thread:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=84186826#post84186826

rancher

Chloe Pink wrote: »

No, just someone withg some insight who realises this is bad news for rural communities and for the country and he's not alone - look what's happened in the UK:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/ene...-from-MPs.html

"Wind farm developers are facing a dramatic escalation of opposition from dozens of MPs who say they will fight every application in their constituencies."
"In a fresh protest against the Government’s support for onshore wind turbines, backbenchers said their constituencies had reached “tipping point” and would be ruined by further development."

And if the government can do this to the Midlands, they can do it to the rest of Ireland
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news...-29195855.html
"EirGrid says companies have expressed an interest in building another 13,000MW of capacity – which could result in up to 4,300 turbines being installed."

More on this thread:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=84186826#post84186826

Well he needn't blame IFA for it, they have issued a press release refuting his accusation, if you're from westmeath you can see it on this weeks examiner....

Marooned75

rancher wrote: »

Well he needn't blame IFA for it, they have issued a press release refuting his accusation, if you're from westmeath you can see it on this weeks examiner....

They have ducked and dived on this issue bit late now when the see the scale of opposition to these things

rancher

Marooned75 wrote: »

They have ducked and dived on this issue bit late now when the see the scale of opposition to these things

89000 members......must be doing something right a lot of the time

Greensleeves

In the press release refuting Senator Whelan's accusations the IFA's Wind Energy Project Team Chair Jer Bergin ends by saying:

"...However, in the first instance we would appeal to both wind development companies to engage directly with the local communities. Ideally, issues raised should be addressed before the wind development companies submit their planning applications.”

The farmers should engage directly with the local communities. Why doesn't the IFA advise any farmer that has been approached by a wind development company to have a chat with their immediate neighbours before they sign anything?

Marooned75

rancher wrote: »

89000 members......must be doing something right a lot of the time

They won't all get one and if they have signed an option for one they won't be allowed object to there neighbours getting one because that is covered in the option they have signed that's when the fun will start

rancher

Marooned75 wrote: »

They won't all get one and if they have signed an option for one they won't be allowed object to there neighbours getting one because that is covered in the option they have signed that's when the fun will start

There's enough apart from the farmers to stop it.........if they put the work in.
There's no need for us to be involved in what is basically a planning issue.
A lot more serious issues at the moment

Marooned75

rancher wrote: »

No deal signed as far as i know, The original option agreement was heavily weighted in favour of the wind company, IFA got the farmers to stop signing up until the companies negotiated a fairer agreement, they then came back to the farmers with what was offered and it was left to the farmers themselves to decide if it was good enough and as far as I know, farmers still have the option to sign up to the original agreement or the improved one

What is the IFA doing for people who have said no to signing on yet are hounded by these companies to sign up.Surely one no should be enough for them,if mainstream say they have more than enough signed up why are they tormenting people to sign up.Is it that they have nt signed up enough in the right places.

Greensleeves

rancher wrote: »

There's enough apart from the farmers to stop it.........if they put the work in.
There's no need for us to be involved in what is basically a planning issue.
A lot more serious issues at the moment

But the IFA is very much involved; Jer Bergin was on the Speaker Panel at the Energy Bridge conference in Tullamore on April 30th.

http://www.energyireland.ie/events/energybridge2013/speakerPanel.php

My question still stands:

Why doesn't the IFA advise any farmer that has been approached by a wind development company to have a chat with their immediate neighbours before they sign anything?

thegoodgirl

Mainstream called to my house last week, I missed them as we were at work but I emailed them.
Sounds to me like they already have the land they want or enough to start anyway.
Looks like they plan on using land which borders the bog at Rathgarrett/Rahincuill near Tyrellspass.

Does anyone know of any local actins groups against the developement or any local meetings that are scheduled to take place.

Greensleeves

thegoodgirl wrote: »

Mainstream called to my house last week, I missed them as we were at work but I emailed them.
Sounds to me like they already have the land they want or enough to start anyway.
Looks like they plan on using land which borders the bog at Rathgarrett/Rahincuill near Tyrellspass.

Does anyone know of any local actins groups against the developement or any local meetings that are scheduled to take place.

Lakelands Windfarm Information Group have some meetings scheduled.
Rochfortbridge Information Meeting - Thurs. 30th May @ 9pm - St Josephs Parish Hall / Killucan-Raharney Information Meeting - Sat. 8th June @ 7.15pm - Rathwire Hall

http://lwig.net/index.html

AngryHippie

This is going to be a very contentious issue for the next few years.

I can understand peoples concerns about the safety of wind turbines, from planning right through to operational stages.
I can also understand peoples concerns about the impact on the aesthetics of an scenic area, and potential impacts on their property value.

To put all that back in perspective though, power consumption is still growing, fuel supply is not endless, and the recent developments in Coal seam gas and fracking don't necessarily present a solution to the upcoming energy crisis.

Windfarms are not a complete solution, but they definitely do represent a step in the right direction towards renewable energy supply.

The reality is that not everyone is going to get a happy ending on this one. The energy companies are not going to get their own way a lot of the time. Local residents and landowners are going to lose some battles too.

I think that the energy companies will find the points of least resistance and push through their plans on those areas, and in time, people will come around to realize that windfarms are not the great evil they are made out to be.

To be honest I think the turbines themselves are not particularly harsh or ugly on the landscape, but the power transmission lines definitely take away from from the landscape.

I think if residents and landowners chose their battles and fight to have underground transmission and compact substations to feed the existing grid, they will get a more successful outcome in the long run.

Renewable Energy is required, its required to satisfy the needs of our standard of living. We have two clear options, adapt and succeed or bury our heads in the sand and face crippling costs, intermittent supply and continued devastation of our environment and ecology .

Whether you like it or not, the actual impact of Wind turbines on the environment is relatively low once they have been installed. Management and Engineering of them should satisfy strict conditions minimizing environmental harm during installation.

Unless of course a better solution is discovered within the coming years.

Hermy

Well said!

nice_guy80

AngryHippie wrote: »

This is going to be a very contentious issue for the next few years.

I can understand peoples concerns about the safety of wind turbines, from planning right through to operational stages.
I can also understand peoples concerns about the impact on the aesthetics of an scenic area, and potential impacts on their property value.

To put all that back in perspective though, power consumption is still growing, fuel supply is not endless, and the recent developments in Coal seam gas and fracking don't necessarily present a solution to the upcoming energy crisis.

Windfarms are not a complete solution, but they definitely do represent a step in the right direction towards renewable energy supply.

The reality is that not everyone is going to get a happy ending on this one. The energy companies are not going to get their own way a lot of the time. Local residents and landowners are going to lose some battles too.

I think that the energy companies will find the points of least resistance and push through their plans on those areas, and in time, people will come around to realize that windfarms are not the great evil they are made out to be.

To be honest I think the turbines themselves are not particularly harsh or ugly on the landscape, but the power transmission lines definitely take away from from the landscape.

I think if residents and landowners chose their battles and fight to have underground transmission and compact substations to feed the existing grid, they will get a more successful outcome in the long run.

Renewable Energy is required, its required to satisfy the needs of our standard of living. We have two clear options, adapt and succeed or bury our heads in the sand and face crippling costs, intermittent supply and continued devastation of our environment and ecology .

Whether you like it or not, the actual impact of Wind turbines on the environment is relatively low once they have been installed. Management and Engineering of them should satisfy strict conditions minimizing environmental harm during installation.

Unless of course a better solution is discovered within the coming years.

Some points i agree with

however,
a do you live near a giant wind turbine?
b have you ever seen a giant win turbine?
c why can't they put them offshore? where nobody lives!

Chloe Pink

And following on from the last post, these proposals will not be supplying Ireland with any electricity - they won't even be connected to the Irish grid - any electricity generated fron these turbines will go to the UK - so where's Ireland going to get its electricity from.

And yes AngryHippie, do you live near a wind turbine - if so how far away is it and how big is it
Is a wind turbine proposed near your house and if so how far away is it and how big is it

Greensleeves

Yes, we need renewable energy but we also need to respect the rights of the individuals who will have to live near these wind farms. Greenwire/Energybridge will create one of the biggest windfarms in the world, using the biggest onshore turbines in the world to supply power to the UK. It has been planned behind the backs of the local communities. Democracy cannot be cast aside so easily, hence the protests.

Here is an interesting article about human rights and renewable energy on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico:

http://www.aida-americas.org/en/pubs/challenges-deploying-wind-energy-mexico-case-isthmus-tehuantepec

Jester252

Greensleeves wrote: »

But the IFA is very much involved; Jer Bergin was on the Speaker Panel at the Energy Bridge conference in Tullamore on April 30th.

http://www.energyireland.ie/events/energybridge2013/speakerPanel.php

My question still stands:

Why doesn't the IFA advise any farmer that has been approached by a wind development company to have a chat with their immediate neighbours before they sign anything?

Because it is a private business deal between the wind farm developer and the landowner. That why they have development meeting in the local area and planning meeting for the public to raise issues with the development.

Greensleeves

Jester252 wrote: »

Because it is a private business deal between the wind farm developer and the landowner. That why they have development meeting in the local area and planning meeting for the public to raise issues with the development.

I see. And good manners wouldn't suggest that the farmer might tell his neighbour about plans to build the largest onshore wind turbine in the world in the field behind his house?

It might be a private business deal but there will be no hiding place once a 200m high wind turbine is erected in your field. If you are too cowardly to discuss this with your neighbours then perhaps you realise that there is something amiss. After all if there was nothing iffy about any of this there would be no secrecy. Mainstream and Element Power have a responsibility to their shareholders/investors, they won't be living among the wind turbines so they don't have to care about local opinion; the farmers on the other hand will have to live with the consequences.

Divisions are beginning to emerge already...
http://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/news/roundup/articles/2013/04/30/4015580-windfarms-dividing-farm-community/

Jester252

Greensleeves wrote: »

I see. And good manners wouldn't suggest that the farmer might tell his neighbour about plans to build the largest onshore wind turbine in the world in the field behind his house?

It might be a private business deal but there will be no hiding place once a 200m high wind turbine is erected in your field. If you are too cowardly to discuss this with your neighbours then perhaps you realise that there is something amiss. After all if there was nothing iffy about any of this there would be no secrecy. Mainstream and Element Power have a responsibility to their shareholders/investors, they won't be living among the wind turbines so they don't have to care about local opinion; the farmers on the other hand will have to live with the consequences.

Divisions are beginning to emerge already...
http://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/news/roundup/articles/2013/04/30/4015580-windfarms-dividing-farm-community/

You may not like it but that the truth. Do you inform people in your area when you get a raise? Like I said planning meeting are were concers are to be raised as they wil be heard by the developers. The landowner is only renting the land in a private deal to the developers. They have no reason to get you involve in this deal. If you have an issue go to the developer and your local TD NOT the landowner as they are just doing business that they need to survive.