Residents in rural Meath village left ‘deeply concerned’ at power plant plans

Plans for the 180 megawatt facility at Curraghtown, Brownstown, Navan near Kentstown is currently being examined by Meath County Council's planning department.

A public meeting in opposition to those plans was held in Kentstown's Old School Hall last week. In the wake of that meeting, locals have voiced their disquiet over the scope and size of a project they say will impinge on one of the county's most idyllic localities.

"It's deeply concerning to think about the impact this power plant's emissions could have on our community, especially with Kentstown National School and so many sports clubs so close by," said resident Steven Dillon.

"Our children and families deserve clean air and a safe environment, not to be surrounded by a fossil-fuel plant that threatens our health and quality of life."

Dublin-based firm Polarisgate Limited is seeking a 10-year planning permission, which if approved would see a 40-year operational licence take effect while providing back-up electricity to the national grid.

In a planning and environmental report accompanying the plans, Polarisgate Ltd are described as being a "well-established Irish owned" renewable energy company with "extensive experience in the development of wind farm projects throughout Ireland.

Most recently, the company developed three wind farms in Co Kilkenny and Co Mayo and secured planning for wind farms in counties Donegal, Kilkenny, and Mayo.

A spokesperson on behalf of local residents said the level of disquiet against the project were sentiments that were showing precious little sign of abating.

"Given the proposed plant, at 30 metres in height, approaches the height of Croke Park, this plant would be visible in a wide ranging area beyond the local community," said the spokesperson.

A final decision on the plans is expected to be made on or before December 5.