We are writing to you to express our concern over the proposed Clonberne Wind Farm that is being considered for our community. As you may be aware, this project has been the subject of much debate and controversy over the past while, and we believe it is important that we all understand the potential implications of this development before making any final decisions.

We want to acknowledge that we are not opposed to Wind Energy and we believe that renewable energy is crucial for our future. However, we are opposed to putting eleven 180-meter-high turbines in such close proximity to our homes and populated rural community. This project will have a negative effect on the rest of our lives and the future generations of Clonberne. It is important to note that this is Phase One of many phases set for Clonberne and its surrounding communities which include Cogaula, Cloonkeen, Ballyedmond, Cloonmore, Gurteen, Cooloo, Barnaderg, Cloonahamper, Boyounagh, Cloonacath, Middletown, Shanballymore, New Forest, Newbridge to name a few.

Health (Infrasound and Shadow Flicker)

• As wind turbines spring up like unwanted weeds around people’s homes in rural Ireland, wind turbine health related issues have become somewhat of a worrying concern. 
• Infrasound is one cause for concern as it cannot be heard and is not related to the loudness of the sound that you hear. Large industrial turbines like the ones proposed for Clonberne are responsible for creating the strongest infrasound. Infrasound poses health risks to nearby residents. 
• You need to ask yourself the question, Do you, your family or friends suffer from epilepsy, high blood pressure, tinnitus, vertigo, headaches, irritability, migraines, sleep problems, anxiety, shortness of breath, nausea, tachycardia (Rapid Heart Rate), Visual blurring, problems with concentration and memory? If so you should be EXTREMELY concerned. 
• It is important to note that Clonberne National School is just over a kilometre away from the nearest turbines and all turbines will be visible from this location. Are you willing to gamble on your own health, your family’s’ health and the health of others in our community? 
• Shadow Flicker is another issue that will impose on our daily lives. Shadow Flicker will be cast 10 times the tip height (1.8km) and invade our homes. It will also be cause for distraction in other key locations in our community, like our GAA Pitch and Playground. The life and soul to a lot of people in Clonberne is in our Sports Ground. If this “Proposed” Wind Farm goes ahead, we will be in the shadow of these monstrosities.
• Can you imagine the flicker from these 11 Industrial Wind Turbines on a beautiful evening while watching our lads and ladies play football. Imagine how distracting it will be for the players, officials and supporters!!

Community Benefit Fund and Free Electricity Myth

As the old saying goes..." When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is". Many members of the community have been sold the Fairy-tale of the Community Benefit Fund that is going to supply the "Community" with millions of €€€€'s over the course of the life of the proposed Windfarm and change our lives for the better. Anybody who believes this needs to continue reading. 

• The annual Community Benefit Fund of up to €80,000 is dependent on various factors.
• It is NOT a set-in-stone figure.
• In Bridgetown in Clare, people living within 2km of their proposed windfarm will get compensation of €5 PER WEEK or €260 PER YEAR AFTER TAX for a 12–15 year period.
• The Community Benefit Fund is NOT solely for the people of Clonberne. People living within a 10km radius of the proposed windfarm site can apply for it.
• Free electricity MYTH confirmed by developers! Organisers of a campaign to stop a wind development in North Galway say the company behind the project have been UNABLE to demonstrate any benefits the scheme would bring to the community!

Broad band and TV Signal

• Another issue which we feel may be of concern especially to younger generations is the unstable broadband and TV Signal. Due to the pandemic a lot of people now work from home, and rely on a stable WIFI and phone signal to get their work done. 
• Others rely on WIFI for different reasons including communicating freely with their friends and family, watching their favourite programs on TV and other broadcasting apps such as Netflix. You can almost be certain that your broadband and TV Signal will be impacted by these industrial sized turbines as the direct line of connection to the mast will be skewered. 
• We suggest that you contact your broadband provider to confirm this for yourself! 

Property Devaluation & Planning Permission Issues 

• Another big concern for our parish is the impact the windfarm may have on property values in our community. Recent studies suggest that wind farms can have a negative impact on nearby property values. We already see that three local properties have been put on the market since January. 
• Our future generations will not want to live or build here and risk their family’s health and wellbeing. The population of Clonberne will diminish over the coming years.

Wildlife & Destruction of our Boglands 

• We are also concerned about the impact that the turbines may have on our local wildlife. There is evidence to suggest that wind turbines can disrupt the natural habitats of birds and other animals, which could have a negative impact on our ecosystem. 
• We should also be concerned about bog slippage, this has been seen in other places around Ireland for example in Meenbog Wind Farm, Ballybofey, Co.Donegal and Derrybrien Wind Farm, Co.Galway. 
• During the construction of these turbines there will be a massive impact on local roads carrying heavy loads to and from the site. We can also expect traffic congestion and stop go systems on our roads for the duration of the construction of these turbines which will be several years.  

In light of these concerns, we urge you to carefully consider the potential implications of the proposed wind farm and to make your voices heard on this issue. It is important that we work together to find a solution that protects our community and our environment.

We need your help to protect our community and preserve it for future generations.

The Planning Application has gone in, you have until until the 27th of August lodge your objection/submission. Get in touch with Clonberne Wind Farm Action Group on Facebook for more information on objection writing clinics and lodging your objections! 

Sign our petition today and help us protect Clonberne for the generations to come.

Thank you for your support!