Local communities across parts of Kilkenny are being urged to attend a number of public meetings this week following a major planning update on the proposed Briskalagh Wind Farm.
The local group leading opposition to the project says fresh legal advice will be shared with residents after An Coimisiún Pleanála granted permission, with conditions, for the development which would see seven turbines in the following area: (Details of which can be found here).
Two public information meetings are taking place in the next two days after national planners gave the green light to the project.
The decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála overturns a prior refusal by Kilkenny County Council, which had raised significant concerns regarding the scale and environmental impact of the development.
Local organisers say expert and legal teams are now deeply concerned about potential risks to local property values, noise levels, flooding, and water quality. They’re also concerned about the site’s underlying aquifer, which supplies water to private wells and Group Water Schemes serving Ballycallan, Kilmanagh, Tullaroan, and Callan.
The first public meeting takes place from 7:30pm tomorrow (Monday, 21st September) at Ballycallan Hall, followed by a second gathering at the same time on Tuesday evening (22nd September) at the Old School in Kilmanagh.
Meanwhile, KCLR News’ Edwina Grace asked Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage John Cummins about the review of windfarm guidelines while he stopped off in Callan recently – listen back to that conversation here.
