Labour Party Meath Councillor Elaine McGinty has written to county planners stating her objections to a proposed bio-fuel energy plant at Carranstown and Caulstown, Platin, Duleek.
Cllr McGinty has outlined her concerns about the proposed plant, echoing the concerns of many residents she’s been consulting with in recent days.
“While I understand and appreciate the urgent need for progress on energy generation, it is essential that such projects are undertaken with a responsible and sustainable approach that considers the wellbeing of the local community and the environment, I do not believe this is happening, in this case” she said.
Cllr McGinty outlines six principle concerns she has about the developments, starting with the lack of road infrastructure to accommodate the development.
“One of the glaring issues with this development is the absence of new roads to accommodate the increased traffic and congestion in the area” she said.
“The area is well-known and documented as a traffic and accident black spot by Gardaí, residents and public representatives. The Council have upgraded some parts of the road, but the fundamental issue of the current road network being already strained has yet to be addressed, and this proposed project is likely to exacerbate the situation.”
Cllr McGinty also questions the location of the project, saying: “It is worth considering the rationale behind locating the power plant in proximity to residential areas when its primary purpose is to serve the greater Dublin area.
“A more sensible approach would be to establish the plant closer to the urban area it is intended to serve and minimising the impact on East Meath.
“The proposed location is in very close proximity to a primary school and residents. This raises serious concerns about the impact on the health and safety of the local community, particularly children.”
The growing concentration of these kind of developments in this area of East Meath is also a concern for the Labour councillor, who said: “This industrial area in East Meath is unique in the country, to have such a concentration of high emission industries in one area is questionable.”
Cllr McGinty expressed concern about the transparency around environmental impact of the plant from C02 emissions to air quality impact.
She said: “The lack of transparency surrounding CO2 emissions and environmental impact is concerning. The concept of “greenwashing” is a serious concern, as there appears to be a disconnect between the proposed development and its claimed environmental benefits.”
The Labour councillor concluded: “I would respectfully urge the Planning Authority to carefully consider these concerns and objections. It is imperative that the wellbeing of the community and the environment take precedence, in any decision that is made.”
Submissions can be made through planning.localgov.ie until 14/09/2023.
