The CEO of the company that’s lodged plans for a controversial wind farm project in West Clare insists short term disruption is required to deliver a low carbon future.
It comes as a group opposed to the plans in Cahermurphy claims there is an “oversaturation” of such developments in the area.
Plans for the 10-turbine wind farm, which would be located near Kilmihil, were lodged by Mid Clare Renewable Energy Windfarm Ltd in September 2020.
An environmental impact statement lodged with the application states that the proposed project will create 72 jobs and that, over the lifetime of the wind farm, a community benefit fund of €5.6m will be made available.
However, the proposal is facing widespread opposition, with objections lodged by a number of locals.
Members of the Cahermurphy Wind Farm Phase II Opposition Group say they are concerned about the potential negative impact from any windfarm, including shadow, flicker and noise.
Group member Rose Marie Corry feels there hasn’t been enough engagement with the local community.
The CEO of the company behind the plans, though, insists consultation has been sufficient – and that short term disruptions will be mitigated.
MCRE says the project will positively benefit the community’s environment, and contribute around €350,000 in rates to the local authority, along with establishing a Community Benefit Fund.
CEO of MCRE, Padraig Howard, says the area is robust enough to sustain such a project.
The deadline for the submission of objections to the plan is set for tomorrow afternoon.
