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(The above picture is an example a smaller scale project than the larger one proposed here!)

OPPOSITION TO MASSIVE BATTERY STORAGE PLANT AND NEW SUBSTATION PLANNING APPLICATION IN RURAL COMMUNITY GROWS IN SUPPORT

The rural communities of Coughlanstown, Dunnstown, Dunshane, Flemington, Harristown, Mullacash, Two-Mile-House and surrounding areas are calling on public support to join them in opposing the planning applications for both a massive compound of 76 large scale battery storage units at Dunnstown and the building of a new substation. Strategic Power Projects Limited, is seeking permission from Kildare County Council to build a facility which will encompass 10 acres of land in Dunnstown, at a site opposite the Dunshane Camphill Community residential home (Planning Ref. No. 21608 KCC). The company has also lodged a pre-application request with An Bord Pleanala for a 220 kV substation with connection to the grid. Concerned members of this rural borough, which lies halfway between Kilcullen and Naas, have until 9th June to lodge their objection to the development to the council.

Residents from the area, a number of whom will be severely impacted with the proposed development on their doorsteps, have voiced deep concerns about both the short term and the long term ecological, hydrological, social and environmental effects of the development in the quiet, rural setting, with fire hazard and safety implications top of the list; the flammable hydrocarbon electrolyte and high energy density of lithium-ion batteries may lead to fires, explosions, and the release of toxic combustion products upon failure. Crucially, the risk of creating precedent for this area and indeed other rural communities across Ireland is causing grave apprehension.

Spokesperson for the movement, local man, Conor Maguire, said: “We wish to be very clear in our objective here. We are not opposed to the planning for sustainable energy provision, and we are keenly aware of the urgent need for reaching sustainable energy targets. However, there are real and tangible concerns within our widespread community that must be addressed, not least with regards to safety. The submitted plans are for 76 enormous battery storage units, each of which houses tens of thousands of lithium-ion cells. There has been a troubling frequency of decimating fires linked to lithium-ion batteries, that have occurred in the US, UK, South Korea and Australia. These are no ordinary fires due to the chemical make-up of the batteries; the blazes are not easily treated, need specialist expertise to manage and can take days to get under control.”

He continued: “The planning application was made without due correspondence to locals and when we reached out to the developer for further information, we were acerbically informed to look at the Kildare County Council website. Whilst the application was made on 6th May, the public could only access the plans on the 19th May. The 9th of June deadline will not be extended, which has further frustrated our apprehension.”

He added: “The immediate vicinity of the proposed Dunnstown development is a renowned local amenity, frequented on a daily basis by walkers, horse-riders, joggers and cyclists from all surrounding areas – young and old. Two-Mile-House GAA is located just metres away and we are concerned about the safety of youngsters travelling to and from the club, during and post development. Tranquil and biodiverse, the area is host to a rich ecology, a haven for a variety of native species spanning deer, bats, frogs, birds of prey, flowers and fauna. We want to protect all of this. The local roads are in areas, single lane only; any construction traffic would raise further daily health and safety issues.”

He continued: “Furthermore, the rapid onset of BESS across rural Ireland are cause for grave concern. We call on Government and the local authorities across Ireland to set clear policy on planning rules for such developments, restricting them to industrial zones, where there is less impact on rural Ireland and residential areas.”
The growing public opposition has prompted the set-up of a “Two-Mile-House Says No!” movement with a GoFundMe page established (https://gofund.me/eed08c23 ) Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Two-Mile-House-says-NO-104628945157315

Concerned members of the public are invited to email their fears to
twomilehousesaysno@gmail.com.