28-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Louth councillor calls out risk of ‘wild west' scenario in wind energy
The comments were made by Cllr. Maeve Yore at the July meeting of Louth County Council, in response to a motion brought before the local authority.
Cllr. Kevin Callan submitted the motion calling on the council to write to the Minister for Local Government 'urgently requesting the publication of updated Wind Energy Development Guidelines.'
He highlighted that current guidelines, dating from 2006 'remain in effect despite being widely acknowledged as outdated and no longer fit for purpose.'
He said there had been a 'prolonged delay since the first draft guidelines were issued in 2019.'
Cllr. Callan continued: 'Furthermore, in recognition of the uncertainty caused by the absence of an up-to-date national policy or regulation, this council calls on the Minister to introduce a temporary pause on all large-scale onshore wind farm developments, pending the finalisation and adoption of revised Wind Energy guidelines/regulation.'
He stated that the motion 'reflects this council's commitment to ensuring that renewable energy development proceeds in a manner that is appropriately planned, environmentally sustainable, respects people's rights and protects health and wellbeing of local communities, and recognises the need for robust regulation is urgently required.'
A large group of residents from the Kellystown and Monasterboice area of County Louth were in attendance at the council meeting.
EDF Renewables Ireland is planning a significant development, named Kellystown Wind Farm, in an area north of Drogheda.
Cllr. Declan Power welcomed the motion, saying that it 'reflects genuine concern, not only in County Louth but across the country.'
He said plans for wind farms can lead to 'stressed out communities' located near to proposed sites, adding that residents of Kellystown and the wider area are 'fiercely concerned' about the proposed development in their area.
"I believe that our communities fully understand the need to address climate change, and for renewable energy,' said Cllr. Power.
But he added that in the absence of up to date guidelines large scale wind farm projects are being planned under outdated legislation.
He acknowledged: 'We are an island nation with some of the strongest wind resources in Europe, we have great opportunities to lead on renewable energy, but to do the development must be community sensitive, respects people's rights, protects our environment and be based on up-to-date regulations.'
Cllr. Maeve Yore also supported the motion, saying 'successive governments have never shown leadership in relation to proper planning or legislation on wind energy, and appropriate locations for wind farms.'
She said the lack of guidelines leads to the risk of a 'developer led, profit driven, wild-west scenario' adding that off shore wind farms are the best solution.
Cllr. Yore highlighted a 'lack of community engagement' around wind farm projects, saying that this 'adds to a real feeling of mistrust.'
Cllr. Kevin Meenan voiced his support for the motion, saying that he 'did not understand the procrastination in publishing up to date guidelines.'
Cllr. Marianne Butler added the issue has been continually raised at national and local level, and it was: 'extremely disappointing to see that there isn't even a timeline anymore.'
"There is no urgency, there doesn't seem to be any political will here.'
She added: 'That being said, we are in an emergency, we do have a responsibility to future generations to act.'
Cllr. John Sheridan acknowledged the attendance of residents from Kellystown at the meeting, saying that there was anxiety also on other parts of Louth about solar project that were in planning.
Cllr. Dolores Minogue said that a policy which supports renewable energy, but also respects rural communities was needed.
Cllr. Pio Smith added his support for the motion, highlighting the confusion around which guidelines should be followed, the 2006 guidelines or the 2019 draft guidelines.
