Public meeting on windfarm proposal tonight

The North Meath Windfarm Information Group is holding a public meeting in St Michael’s GAA Hall, Carlanstown at 8pm tonight to consider the latest developments in the move to construct a 25-turbine wind farm at Castletownmoor.
The group called on people to attend the meeting following the submission by the Element Power company to An Bord Pleanala seeking planning permission for the development under structural infrastructure legislation.
Up to last week, a legal move by John Callaghan had prevented the company from making a planning application. However, the order has been lifted by the courts and the company has now submitted the application to the board.
The company proposes the development in the townlands of Balreask, Reask, Gravelstown, Emlagh, Castletownmoor, St John’s Rath, Drakerath, Clooney, Drakestown, Dowdstown, Dowthstown, Fletcherstown, Glebe, Clongil, Oristown, Rossmeen, Grange Glebe, Wilkinstown, Balsaw, Demmailestown, Scotstown, Mullagha, Corbalis, Rathcoon, Dunderk, Carriaghstown, Stackallan, Causestown and Mountainstown.
Part of the proposed development is located in the Gaeltach area, namely the townlands of Clongil and Oristown.
It is proposed to erect 25 turbines with a tip height of up to 169m along with turbine foundations and hardstanding areas.
The company has also given notice of the building of 18km of new site tracks and associated drainage where necessary.
There would also be upgrading of approximately 3.5km of existing tracks and associated drainage where necessary.
Padraic Dolan, spokesperson for the North Meath Windfarm Information Group said the meeting in Carlanstownn was being held to update the community and “highlight the fact that we need to fight this again”.
Mr Dolan said he would be running in the Dublin City Marathon to raise funds for the NMWIG.
The group said that a community group is to make a sizeable donation to get the fund under way and this presentation will take place on the night of the meeting.