Council puts Kildare wind mast project on hold

A PLANNING application for a proposed wind mast for the Kilberry Wind Farm project has been put on hold by Kildare County Council, pending the submission of further detailed information.

Several concerns have been flagged, including the mast's location within Military Operating Area 4 and the Athy Low Flying Tactical Training Area, where such structures may pose a hazard to aircraft.

Additionally, the application lacks details on associated infrastructure such as ground-mounted solar arrays, battery storage, and a wind charger. Officials have also requested comprehensive landscape and visual impact assessments, as well as an ecological impact assessment and an appropriate assessment to examine the possible effects of the mast on protected bird species. 

Catherine Casey, founder of the Stop Kilberry Windfarm Action Group, who worked hard to rally people together to make submissions against the planning application said:

“There was no mention of the wind mast at all, even at the consultation meetings.” 

“A member of the community brought the newspaper article of the planning permission to our attention in our private Whatsapp group. Other than that we knew nothing about it.” 

The council has agreed a six-month timeframe, with a possible extension of three months, for Bord na Mona and SSE Renewables to submit the outstanding information.

“I’m happy to see the letter Kildare County Council sent to Bord na Mona requesting more info. They obviously took into account the residents concerns from their submissions. I’m glad the council are being very thorough.” 

“I do feel that six months with a possible extension of three months is a bit generous to provide the relevant documents. Bord na Mona should have had everything submitted in the beginning and should not be wasting the council’s time,” she added.

“This prolongs the worry for a lot of Kilberry residents which a large portion are elderly. None of us in the area trust Bord na Mona.”