Following their two year battle with the giant French Electricity Company, EDF, the Kellystown Monasterboice Wind Action Group (KMWAG) have joined the hundreds of other groups and individuals who have submitted objections to the proposed wind farm development.
On February 6th, 2025, Louth County Council issued a “Further Information Request” to the planning application submitted by French Company EDF renewables Ireland for the proposed Wind Generation Development in the Kellystown, Monasterboice area.
Louth County Council received an unprecedented 252 observations and submissions from many concerned parties including Semi-State bodies, Local National Primary Schools, Kilsaran Quarry, Local Councillors, TDs and hundreds of Local Residents.
The quantity and quality of the objections/ observations from the local community is most impressive and is a direct result of the residents’ hard work over the past two years. EDF renewals Ireland have up to six months to respond to the Further Information request.
“EDF propose to build a 5 turbine wind farm in the midst of our rural County Louth community. Each of these turbines are to be 180 M tall along with considerable infrastructure and major ancillary facilities including a Battery Storage facility” said a spokesperson for the group.
“It is important to note that there are 356 homes (approximately 1200 people) in this community who are living within 2km of this proposed development. This community is already embracing many aspects of renewable energy in their homes and are very aware of our role in reducing our carbon footprint.
“Who wouldn’t be in support of renewable energy but we are adamant that renewable energy sources must be situated in correct locations and not just plonked in the middle of a vibrant rural community towering over homes and dominating the landscape.
“Just think about it, advertisements for wind energy development always depict landscape devoid of houses! Science tells us that the most appropriate place to site an enormous development like this is 20K offshore, then let us follow the science.
“By doing this you are guaranteed more consistent and bigger winds. But of course, the main reason EDF and other developers will not do this is because it is more expensive and will reduce their profit for the French people or vulture funds and not because it is the right thing to do.
“Kellystown Monasterbioce Wind Action Group (KMWAG) represents the community within 2K to 3K of the proposed development and hold regular community meetings and keep the community updated through newsletters and personal contact.
“Needless to say there are significant costs involved in undertaking a campaign like ours which involves employing expert consultants to undertake research and present reports on our behalf. We need to constantly fundraise to enable us to engage these experts. So we ask you to support us through GOFUND ME or to participate in one of our many fund raising events.
“We intend to fight this inappropriate development for as long and as far as need be to prevent its construction in the midst of our or any other inappropriate location.”
