Call to update windfarm guidelines at Kildare meeting

FOLLOWING on from the hard work from the Kilberry Windfarm Action Group, their caused has attracted attention and support from local representatives – with the aim now to lobby government to update guidelines around windfarms in Ireland to ensure best practice and safety for surrounding residents.

At a recent meeting of Kildare County Council, cllr Mark Leigh tabled a motion urging swift and “urgent” action from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The motion calls on the council to write to the Minister requesting the immediate publication of updated Wind Energy Development Guidelines.

Cllr Leigh stressed the importance of having up-to-date regulations in place to guide wind energy projects, noting that communities and developers alike are operating under outdated standards.

“As it stands, we have government guidelines from 2006,” he said. He also explained how the government launched a draft of updated guidelines in 2019, which made no progress afterwards.

“It’s neither fair nor sustainable,” he said.

Cllr Leigh also brought attention to committee members that Teri Bracken and Karen Minchin of the Kilberry Windfarm Action Group were present at the meeting, and said: “Their presence shows how much communities are affected.” 

The motion was supported by fellow reps, such as cllr Noel Heavey, who echoed concerns about the impact of wind farm development across the country and the lack of consistent national policy. 

“Guidelines need to be updated,” said cllr Heavey. The council agreed to write to the minister calling for the windfarm guidelines to be updated.