Here’s a link to a letter by Maura – a group member – to The Examiner. It’s the second letter on the page.
https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/yourview/arid-41570458.html
or you can read it below..
“
Regulation of battery energy systems
From one parent of a young family to another, I implore the attention of Tánaiste Simon Harris to an enormous health and safety issue that has encroached on the people of Ireland. An issue on which our current actions, or lack thereof, will impact the future health and safety of the children and young people of Ireland. Despite the concerns raised on a local level, our government — the one that we have just re-elected, appears to be ignoring it.
Just a few days ago, a fire broke out at a lithium-ion battery plant in Claregalway. Three schools, along with businesses, and other properties, had to be evacuated. Five firefighters were hospitalised.
The local community is unsure if it is safe to return to the area. Senior government officials have not yet addressed this incident appropriately.
There is no regulation on battery energy storage systems (BESS), yet almost all of Ireland is earmarked for “green” energy projects.
Large multinational companies are invading as they profiteer from the lack of regulation, largescale grants from Europe, and grants from our own government.
Thousands of acres of land are currently under planning. The alleged payouts to landowners appear too good to be true.
My local community in Newmarket, Co Cork, along with several other communities within a 10-mile radius alone, are fighting for our concerns to be heard.
For me personally, it is a BESS proposed for the field next to our farm. A lithium-ion BESS on a site that is in close proximity to houses, schools, a medical centre, a nursing home, and a town centre; and not in close proximity to emergency services if a problem occurs.
A site on the side of a hill with watercourses running through it. With narrow access roads. We do not have an option to move to Farmleigh or any other location should our security concerns heighten.
Yes, we need to address climate change and yes, reliance on electricity grows. However, it should not be to the detriment of our health and safety. If all these projects go ahead, what is the impact on our farming? Our tourism? I’m not sure fields that shine all day and night will have the same draw as our current lush green landscape.
The frantic planning applications should be paused and proper regulation should be completed first. County council plans must be reviewed and appropriate parameters must be included to avoid putting human life at risk.
As parents, we know prevention is better than cure.
Maura Cronin O’Connor, Newmarket, Co Cork
“
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