Menu
24/01/2014
Special Consideration Urged For Stud Farms
Stud farms and racehorse training facilities should be designated as 'noise sensitive properties' and given special consideration when planning application for wind farm developments are being considered.
Fine Gael chairman and TD for Laois/Offaly Charlie Flanagan put forward the proposal in his submission to the Department of Environment on the proposed revisions to wind energy development guidelines.
"The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ITBA) and other leading industry bodies have raised genuine concerns about the construction of wind farms in the Midlands region. It is my view that bloodstock operations must be designated as noise sensitive properties," Flanagan said.
He added: "The majority of stud farms and training operations are located in rural areas where wind farms are being proposed. The revised guidelines state that wind turbines must be located at least 500 metres from any property. However, the expert care of the bloodstock must not be compromised by the construction and operation of wind turbines in such close proximity.
"The bloodstock industry is worth over €1 billion to our economy. It is a world leader in its field and provides direct employment to over 14,000 people. We cannot have a situation where workers or animals are deemed at risk as a result of turbines being located too close to training gallops or stud farms.
"Thoroughbred horses by their nature are very sensitive animals and industry experts have voiced their concerns over the potential risks involved.
"The perceived benefits that may be derived from wind farms would be considerably outweighed by the adverse impacts that they could have on the bloodstock industry as a whole. This would be most acutely felt in rural areas where significant employment and economic activity has been generated by the industry.
"I believe that the proposed construction of wind farms near thoroughbred operations would have a detrimental effect on the future viability of an industry that, to date, has been very successful."
(MH/JP)
Fine Gael chairman and TD for Laois/Offaly Charlie Flanagan put forward the proposal in his submission to the Department of Environment on the proposed revisions to wind energy development guidelines.
"The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ITBA) and other leading industry bodies have raised genuine concerns about the construction of wind farms in the Midlands region. It is my view that bloodstock operations must be designated as noise sensitive properties," Flanagan said.
He added: "The majority of stud farms and training operations are located in rural areas where wind farms are being proposed. The revised guidelines state that wind turbines must be located at least 500 metres from any property. However, the expert care of the bloodstock must not be compromised by the construction and operation of wind turbines in such close proximity.
"The bloodstock industry is worth over €1 billion to our economy. It is a world leader in its field and provides direct employment to over 14,000 people. We cannot have a situation where workers or animals are deemed at risk as a result of turbines being located too close to training gallops or stud farms.
"Thoroughbred horses by their nature are very sensitive animals and industry experts have voiced their concerns over the potential risks involved.
"The perceived benefits that may be derived from wind farms would be considerably outweighed by the adverse impacts that they could have on the bloodstock industry as a whole. This would be most acutely felt in rural areas where significant employment and economic activity has been generated by the industry.
"I believe that the proposed construction of wind farms near thoroughbred operations would have a detrimental effect on the future viability of an industry that, to date, has been very successful."
(MH/JP)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 September 2013
Offaly Co Council Urges Caution On Wind Farms
A "precautionary approach" to large-scale wind farms has been urged by Offaly County Council in a submission to the Department of the Environment, who are currently carrying out a review of wind energy guidelines.
Offaly Co Council Urges Caution On Wind Farms
A "precautionary approach" to large-scale wind farms has been urged by Offaly County Council in a submission to the Department of the Environment, who are currently carrying out a review of wind energy guidelines.
01 February 2010
Wind Farm Academy To Boost Donegal
A National Wind Energy Academy is being established at Letterkenny Institute of Technology as part of a €500,000 initiative being backed by the Donegal County Development Board. The first phase will see the development of a wind turbine maintenance programme which will be delivered in conjunction with BZEE, a German centre for renewable energy.
Wind Farm Academy To Boost Donegal
A National Wind Energy Academy is being established at Letterkenny Institute of Technology as part of a €500,000 initiative being backed by the Donegal County Development Board. The first phase will see the development of a wind turbine maintenance programme which will be delivered in conjunction with BZEE, a German centre for renewable energy.
27 February 2014
Sinn Féin Call For Moratorium On Wind Farms
Sinn Féin have called for a moratorium on wind farms to address concerns raised by communities, which the party say are "not being listened to." Speaking at meeting in Rhode, Co Offaly, the party's EU Midlands Northwest Candidate, Matt Carthy, outlined the contents of a submission made by Sinn Féin on proposed changes to guidelines on wind farms.
Sinn Féin Call For Moratorium On Wind Farms
Sinn Féin have called for a moratorium on wind farms to address concerns raised by communities, which the party say are "not being listened to." Speaking at meeting in Rhode, Co Offaly, the party's EU Midlands Northwest Candidate, Matt Carthy, outlined the contents of a submission made by Sinn Féin on proposed changes to guidelines on wind farms.
20 February 2014
Sinn Féin Submit Wind Farm Regulations Proposal
Sinn Féin have produced a submission on proposed changes to guidelines on wind farms. The document, handed in by the party's spokespersons on the Environment and Energy, Brian Stanley TD and Michael Colreavy TD and EU election candidate Cllr. Matt Carthy, contains detailed proposals on setback distances, noise and shadow flicker.
Sinn Féin Submit Wind Farm Regulations Proposal
Sinn Féin have produced a submission on proposed changes to guidelines on wind farms. The document, handed in by the party's spokespersons on the Environment and Energy, Brian Stanley TD and Michael Colreavy TD and EU election candidate Cllr. Matt Carthy, contains detailed proposals on setback distances, noise and shadow flicker.
15 April 2014
Rally To Oppose Wind Farm And Pylon Construction
A protest against the construction of industrial wind turbines and electricity pylons is to be held in Dublin today, with Sinn Féin's Matt Carthy saying that the rally should encourage "all those who are concerned about the future of their communities to come out and send a strong message to the government.
Rally To Oppose Wind Farm And Pylon Construction
A protest against the construction of industrial wind turbines and electricity pylons is to be held in Dublin today, with Sinn Féin's Matt Carthy saying that the rally should encourage "all those who are concerned about the future of their communities to come out and send a strong message to the government.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
