The team at Ballycar Green Energy are delighted to have started their pre-planning consultation on a potential wind energy development north of Meelick in East 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:
- Distributed leaflets to residents in the local community area with key information
- Had direct engagement with political representatives and local community groups to introduce the project and the team.
- 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, in line with COVID-19 guidelines
- Engaged with media to highlight 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 over the coming weeks and months to inform them more about the project plans and take on board viewpoints as we begin to shape the proposed plans for the Ballycar Green Energy project.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Through our engagement, we have had a number of frequently asked questions arising in relation to Onshore Wind Energy and the project. To provide further clarity, we have updated our key questions to make this information available to everyone.
The most common questions related to Noise, Shadow Flicker and the location of the turbines.
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 noise from wind turbines, with the main sound being the aerodynamic swoosh of the blades passing the tower. There are strict guidelines in the planning regulations on wind turbines noise emissions to ensure the protection of residential amenity. A comprehensive noise monitoring regime will be undertaken to ensure the proposed development complies with regulations.
As part of the planning process, Ballycar Green Energy will ensure the project is constructed and operated to minimise noise. We will conduct extensive tests during the planning process to demonstrate that the proposed turbines will not exceed legislated noise levels. During the site optimisation process the wind turbine layout will be designed so that noise levels at nearby residential properties are not in breach of national planning guidelines. The World Health Organisation has published its Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region in which recommendations are made for wind turbine noise. The recommended level of noise produced should be below 45 dB. The current guidelines in Ireland and the UK, which are in line with international best practice, are set at between 35 and 45-dB dependant on the time of day and background noise.
(Source: World Health Organisation https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/environment-and-health/noise/environmental-noise-guidelines-for-the-european-region
iac acoustics: https://www.iacacoustics.com/blog-full/comparative-examples-of-noise-levels.html )
What is Shadow Flicker and how is it dealt with?
Shadow flicker refers to when the blades of a wind turbine pass between the sun and the observer, planning guidelines require that any effects of shadow flicker be mitigated by installing solar sensors on the turbine which automatically shut down the turbine during times of possible shadow flicker.
Location
We have updated the Project Information page to include maps outlining the proposed location of the project study area which can be found here.
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 development progresses. We will therefore continue and widen our consultation process in the New Year with further opportunities for stakeholders 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 086 852 5000 or drop us an email to info@ballycargreenenergy.ie.
For now, we wish you all a very Happy Christmas and safe New Year,