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“What’s the cost to our health?” – Locals plan to fight planning for battery storage compound

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By Michelle Crean

 

East Kerry locals plan to fight against a planned 40 unit battery compound which they say will destroy their community and potentially their health – if built.

Kerry County Council has given the go ahead for Redfaze Limited to build the battery storage site at Ballynahulla, Ballydesmond, which will house 40 battery units, transformers and associated equipment.

Battery storage compounds store excess electricity generated by windfarms when the wind is high - and release it back into the grid when the turbines are slack.

However, up to 300 angry and frustrated locals from the Gneeveguilla, Knocknagree, Scartaglin, Kiskeam and Newmarket areas, met to discuss their concerns in Ballydesmond Community Hall on Wednesday night.

They fear that the batteries are potentially at high risk of going on fire which would lead to an evacuation of a 10 mile radius in the area.

Concerned residents now plan tolodge an appeal against planning permission for the facility on health and safety grounds withAn Bord Pleanala next week.

“There’s disbelief ,” local Anita O’Sullivan told the Killarney Advertiser.

“Longford County Council refused planning for a six battery facility due to a health and safety risk and Kerry County Council granted one that’s five times bigger than that. Words can’t even fathom how planning was granted. We can’t comprehend how they can do it.”

She explained that the battery compound is connected to the wind turbines to help regulate power going onto the grid, but said that locals weren’t even consulted about it.

“The planning application was found by pure luck when a local was out walking,” she said.

“What is the cost to our health? Our community will be destroyed. There’s a high risk the batteries could go on fire creating toxic smoke, and if that happens people within a 10 mile radius have between three and 10 minutes to evacuate the area. It takes 36 hours for a battery to quench itself out if it goes on fire,” she said. “There’s 40 of them – we could be on high alert for weeks or even months. You wonder how a human being can allow this!”

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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