According to figures obtained by the Irish Farmers Journal, the majority of individuals and groups who responded to an An Bord Pleanála consultation on a windfarm project in Meath have raised concerns over the development.

However, there were also some influential groups and businesses who are favour of the development and see it as being necessary for economic growth and sustainability for the region.

An Bord Pleanála received almost 400 submissions from groups and individuals regarding the windfarm development, with approximately one third of those classed as raising concerns about the development.

Submissions on the Emlagh windfarm were open until 1 December last. A person or group in favour or against the development was free to outline their views.

Some of the opponents to the windfarm include local GAA clubs and schools as well as TDs Helen McEntee and Regina Doherty.

One the country’s largest and respected food companies, Country Crest, expressed its support for the development, citing its own experience with wind energy. Country Crest installed its own wind turbine to power its factory and see it as being part of its “strong sustainable approach to business”.

The windfarm development is also supported by the Construction Industry Federation and others.

Element Power, through its Greenwire project, is in the process of developing the €187m Elmeagh windfarm. Some 46 turbines are being planned to generate 120 megawatts (MW) of power.

Commenting on the figures, Pauric Dolan from the Meath Wind Information Group, said: “The proposal to develop enormous wind turbines 500 meters from people’s homes is entirely without merit. We are calling on the Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly and An Bord Pleanála to allow common sense to prevail and encourage Element Power to find a more suitable site where homes won’t be affected.”

Element Power Ireland told the Irish Farmers Journal it is “pleased at the request for further information by An Bord Pleanála which allows the company address any of the issues that have been raised in the public submissions to date”.