The need for security of electricity supply in Ireland, and the need to add more renewable energy resources to the national grid, is of strategic importance for Ireland, according to the Athenry Greens. Part of this plan is the addition of peak gas power plants to make up for the fall in supply from renewable energy.
A peak gas power plant is proposed for a site at Cashla, County Galway, but the perceived problems associated with this site are many, and have resulted in the largest number of objections to any development in County Galway being lodged with the Galway County Council earlier this year. The council is due to make a decision on planning permission for the plant in the coming weeks.
Patrick Creed, Green Party representative, Athenry says: “We need at national level to decide where such power plants should be located, and it should not be the case that any private consortium be allowed to lodge a planning application at any green field site in the country for such a development.”
He says strategic planning is needed for the country and new plants should be built at sites that are already well serviced as power providers. “Subjecting communities to the pain, suffering, and uncertainty that the residents close to this proposed site are suffering right now is unacceptable,” says Creed.
The Green Party representative has voiced many concerns about the possible development, and the impact it will have on both the local area and its inhabitants: “How will such a plant operate, and the effect it will have on people’s lives needs to be addressed before any suitable site should be chosen. Will there be noise, air, or water pollution? What impact will the construction phase of development have on the local community? What happens in case of accidents on site?”
Creed agrees that the country needs a security of energy supply for national interest, but he fears for local communities. “How can a gas power plant be located near to an operating quarry, and 2km from a local school with a population of over 200 students?” concludes Creed.
