Locals say no to proposed Kildare wind farm

KILBERRY Wind Farm is a proposed project by Bord na Móna and SSE Renewables that plans to place wind turbines in the peatland in Kilberry, Kildare.

Residents in Kilberry and Nurney were outraged when they received news of this and fear the unknowns that this project might entail.

Concerned individuals came together through a Facebook group called ‘No to Kilberry Windfarm’ to share their worries for the project.

Residents were given information packs by Bord na Móna on the proposed wind farm with information on potential risks such as shadow flickers on properties close by, but people in the area are most worried about the threat to their everyday lives and the nature of the bog itself.

A lot of people in the Facebook group have voiced concerns over where the abundant wildlife of the bog is meant to go once their habitats are taken over by windmills.

Kilberry group admin, Teri Bracken, who lives less than 100 metres from the perimeter of the proposed project, said residents in Kilberry and other areas will be “extremely affected.” “Nobody wants it there. People are extremely upset,” she said.

“Put them somewhere else where there’s no people,” she continued.

Teri’s family have been resident on land neighbouring the proposed project for generations. She explained that a piece of land owned by her family had been purchased by Bord na Móna in March of last year.

Although it had been taken over legally, Teri and her family fought hard to keep a small piece of bogland they owned before it was eventually passed over.

Upon missing the request for an affidavit to keep the farm in their name, the land was signed over.

Terri described it as “gut wrenching” and said: “That land was the last thing connecting my mam to her grandparents. Did they really need to take it?” According to Teri and others in the group, the project is a money-making scheme: “The only reason they’re going out there is to make money.” The group is planning a meeting with Labour TD Mark Wall about their concerns, who will try to do what he can to assist them.

Also, community engagement sessions have been arranged by Bord na Móna and SSE Renewables for community members to attend for more information on the project.

They will be held in Rheban GAA Club, Bert in Athy from 5pm to 8.30pm on 11 March, Nurney GAA Club, Walterstown from 5pm to 8.30pm on 12 March, and Saint Laurence’s GAA Club, Narraghmore from 5pm to 8.30pm on 13 March.

Bord na Móna and SSE Renewables are aware of the community’s objections and have appointed a “Community Engagement Stakeholder Team, including a dedicated Community Liaison Officer.” A spokesperson for both said: “The Community Engagement Team will continue to engage with members of the local community throughout the project, including at upcoming in-person community engagement meetings.” They continued: “Community engagement is an essential part of the project and helps to ensure that the proposed wind farm is developed in a way that contributes positivelt to the local communities, local economies and climate change. If delivered, the proposed Kilberry Wind Farm would bring a range of benefits to the local area, including a Community Benefit Fund.” It was noted that the organisations will develop a draft layout for the wind farm project, which will be shared with attendees at the “second phase” of community engagement events, that will be held after the upcoming meetings scheduled for March.