Kilberry group show 'strength in numbers' at wind farm developer meeting
The No to Kilberry Windfarm group Photos: Aisling Hyland
COMMUNITY members from Kilberry and neighbouring areas came together to protest the Bord na Mona and SSE Renewables proposed wind farm project in Kilberry at the recent information meeting that took place on Tuesday, 11 March.
The group protested outside the clubhouse before the meeting with signs and posters that read “no to Kilberry windfarm.” The group then went inside to the hall together to show themselves as a united front against the proposed project.
Group member Catherine Casey said: “It was a good turnout. There was good representation from all the communities. Everyone wanted to go in together. We didn’t want to scaremonger or intimidate, we wanted to show that we are a community working together.”
Catherine explained that there was 15 liasion officers at the meeting to answer any questions those in attendance might have, and said that they are “lovely people.” However, community members were disappointed that the appointed liaison officers could not answer a lot of their questions and reported that they were not given any new information about the project that had not been in the information pack
Catherine said: “It’s questions like that they are not addressing.”
“None of the land owners around here are co-operating with them. It’s great that they are on board with us.” Many in attendance on the night were left “disappointed” at the end of the meeting as many questions were unable to be answered.
Catherine said: “We were disappointed that there was no one higher up there.” The group felt that Bord na Mona and SSE Renewables “didn’t have the respect to come,” she said.
The group have explained that they wish to meet with executives from the companies to ask their questions directly.
The liaison officers explained to attendees that they would be back in contact with them in around six months.
They also explained that they will be seeking planning permission for the project by late 2026.
Catherine remains steadfast in her opposition to the project, with worries about the livelihood of her three children with autism if plans go ahead for the windfarm.
“When you have children with autism you have to fight for them because they can’t fight for themselves.”
Positive as ever, Catherine commended the “great people on board with the committee,” and said: “We’ll put up a good fight.
