Wind and solar farms spark protest at Cork council building

A protest took place outside County Hall on Tuesday morning by groups calling for updated regulations regarding solar and wind farm development.

Groups from local areas across the county gathered that have been impacted by solar and wind farms, along with Battery energy storage systems (BESS).

The protest was organised by the Cork Communities Alliance for Change group, an active alliance group made up of various rural communities throughout the county of Cork.

Among the aims of Cork Communities Alliance for Change is to inform people regarding what they deem as the lack of regulation relating to wind, solar and battery projects.

The group are also called for Cork County Council to update the Cork County Development Plan in relation to this particular issue.

Speaking to The Echo at the protest Gretta Cussen from Leamlara she wants to see proper legislation regarding wind and solar development introduced.

“I think we are the only country in Europe with no legislation."

Esther Barry from Leamlara added: "We are pro renewable energy. We want to support the climate action plan. But it has to be done in a responsible manner. At the moment this is not responsible renewable development.” 

Eoin O'Hanlon from Inch/Killeagh continued on locations being selected wind and solar developments:  "It is private companies deciding. It is not the Irish people and it is not the Irish strategy."

The issue was also brought up at the County Council meeting in a motion raised by Fine Gael Councillor Liam Madden. Mr Madden asked that Cork County Council request that the Minister update the regulations for wind farms, before any further planning applications are accepted or approved.

The concerns of Cork Communities Alliance for Change were also raised by another motion at the council meeting by Fine Gael Councillor Trish Murphy, who asked that the Council write to and request from the Minister Darragh O’Brien to put regulations in place for Battery Energy Storage Systems(BESS) and solar farms immediately.

Also speaking at the Council meeting, Fianna Fáil Councillor Deirdre Kelly stated that it is essential that regulations are updated.

Fianna Fáíl Councillor Ann Marie Ahern added the current regulations regarding windfarms are hugely unfair for people living in the areas impacted.