TUAM WIND TURBINES GET GO AHEAD DESPITE LOCAL OPPOSITION

Date Published: 01-Dec-2009

Two megawatt wind turbines are to be built in Tuam despite opposition from local residents.

An Bord Pleanala has granted permission for construction of the wind turbines on 75 metre towers along with access road and crane stand at Cloonlusk in Tuam.

Residents in Cloonlusk and Cloonina lodged their objection to the megawatt towers in April.

In a letter of objection to An Bord Pleanala, they cite concerns over health and in particular local children as the turbines would be located close to a national school.

The applicant however describes the turbines as a totally green energy project which would supply up to 2000 homes with electricity.

Having considered reasons for objecting to the project, the planning authority has now decided to give it the green light.

This is having regard to the guidelines issued by the Department of Environment, Heritage and local Government on wind energy development, as well as the national policy with regard to indigenous energy sources.

The Board has also attached 15 conditions to the wind turbines being built at Cloonlusk.

Among these is that new facilities will be built to minimise interference with telephones, radio or television in the area.

Silt traps must also be provided on all surface water drainage channels to prevent water pollution.