Gooseberry Hill Wind Farm

In selecting a site for a wind farm development there are a number of criteria that must be considered. Based on these criteria some sites are more suitable for wind farms than others.

The main criteria that we consider include:

• Grid Access
• Proximity to Dwellings
• County Development Plan
• Environmental and Ecological Sensitivities
• Telecommunications Links
• Cumulative Visual Impact
• Flooding Risk
• Supporting Infrastructure
• Aviation

The turbine layout for Gooseberry Hill Wind Farm will comply with the Draft Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), which proposes a setback distance of 4 times the tip height, subject to a mandatory minimum setback of 500 metres from residential property. 

Wind turbines, like many other tall structures, cast long shadows when the sun is low in the sky. This effect known as “shadow flicker” occurs where the rotating blades of a wind turbine cast a moving shadow which, if it passes over a window in a nearby house or other property results in a rapid change or flicker in the incoming sunlight.

Modern wind turbines have the technology to measure sunlight levels and to reduce or stop turbine rotation if the conditions that would lead to shadow flicker at any nearby property occurring. Other prevention measures could include the provision of screening, where this is acceptable to the relevant householder. 

A shadow flicker assessment of potentially sensitive locations or receptors surrounding the proposed turbine locations will be submitted as part of our planning application. With careful site design and appropriate mitigation, and most critically the use of appropriate equipment and computer software, no existing dwelling or other affected property (e.g. existing work places or schools) should experience shadow flicker

Modern design has drastically reduced the noise and mechanical components of wind turbines, so the most audible sound is generally of the wind interacting with the turbine blades. Even in quiet rural areas the sound of the blowing wind is often louder than the turbines. As part of an Environmental Impact Assessment, we must demonstrate noise levels will not significantly adversely affect local residents.

We will conduct pre-construction noise monitoring to fully understand the noise environment, and post-construction noise monitoring to ensure that the noise limits are being adhered to. If for any reason, noise limits are exceeding the noise limit guidelines the turbines will be curtailed until a solution is found and noise limits are complied with.

There is absolutely no research that we have seen which shows that wind farms affect property prices in Ireland. A major study in Scotland, a country of a similar size and a similar scale wind industry to Ireland, found no evidence of a negative impact on property prices.[1]

The surge in onshore wind development in Ireland over the last decade has led to some misconceptions about wind turbines and potential public health impacts. However, the World Health Organisation has said it found no evidence or ‘low quality’ evidence of any negative health impact from wind turbine noise. 

The HSE also published a report in 2017 entitled “Position Paper on Wind Turbines and Public Health”. This report states: “There is no direct evidence that exposure to wind farm noise affects physical or mental health.”

In summary, to date there are no credible studies that provide evidence of any direct adverse effects on the general health of residents in the vicinity of wind farms (see below for a cross-section of research links). 

Before submitting a planning application for Gooseberry Hill Wind Farm, the developer must prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment Report. The report explains in detail what impact the project, if it went ahead, would have on the environment. If any negative impacts are identified, the developer must explain how they are going to avoid or protect against these. Only if the planning authority is satisfied permission can be given for the development of the project.