Residents voice opposition to proposed Rahara windfarm project

The proposed development of a South Roscommon wind farm 3.5km west of Lough Funshinagh has been met with strong opposition by members of the local community.

A planning application for the proposed Carrowkeel wind farm on 27.4 hectares of land north of Rahara village has been submitted to Roscommon County Council by green energy company EDF Renewables Ireland Ltd.

The wind farm, which includes the installation of four wind turbines, is proposed for a site in the townlands of Carrowkeel, Longfield, Kilmass, Grange and Rahara and is situated to the west of the R362 connecting Athleague and Athlone.

Rahara resident Pauline Bliss said plans for the proposed wind farm have raised "deep concern" amongst locals who gathered to discussed the development in Rahara National School this week.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent, Pauline said the meeting was "marked by visible anger, deep worry and distress" among residents as the proposed plans were relayed to those in attendance.

She expressed the views of a number of speakers who addressed the meeting, highlighting the impact such a development would have on the area's "unique character" and "scenic surroundings".

"The sheer scale of the turbines have the potential to dominate the landscape and irreparably change the rural environment we cherish in this community," Pauline stated.

The community spokesperson said existing windfarm regulations date back to 2006 when "wind turbines were at least half the height" with revised guidelines "still in draft since 2019".

"The proposed turbines appear to be operating at extremely narrow margins to Rahara NS and a number of homes in the community. This is alarming and also raises concerns about the constant noise such large structures could generate, impacting on the quality of life and wellbeing," Pauline added.

Pauline echoed community concerns that the proposed development would detrimentally impact Lough Funshinagh which has suffered severe flooding in recent years. While the community are "not against wind energy developments", Pauline said the village of Rahara and its rural setting was not a suitable location for the proposed development, proposed instead offshore developments. The spokesperson said many residents intend to submit individual applications opposing the proposed development and have until May 21 to do so.

A second public meeting took in Rahara National School on Monday.