The application lodged by Ion Ventures Ltd was approved last month by the council but an appeal has subsequently been lodged by Kevin Fallon to An Bord Pleanala. In his submission to An Bord Pleanala Mr Fallon raised a number of concerns in relation to the Batttery energy Storage System. His appeal addresses issues in relation to zoning and location; fire risk and safety concerns, flood risk and impact on privacy caused by lighting and noise.
The proposed development would consist of 38 battery unit containers comprising of battery cells and ancillary equipment on concrete support structures. It would also feature 10 inverter transformer stations on concrete support structures as well as a customer switch room and control room on concrete structures.
Nine third party objections were submitted to Sligo County Council in relation to the proposed development.
In a submission to Sligo County Council a letter from Rev Jim Murray, St John’s Church, Carraroe outlined some of the concerns. These include proximity to special areas of conservation at Lough Gill and Ballisodare Bay and the potential leakage of hazardous chemicals into water pathways. Fears were also expressed in relation to fire and explosion of lithium-ion batteries.
The lack of consultation with the Carraroe community was also highlighted as another cause for concern while fears were also expressed in relation to the risks posed to children due to the increased vulnerability to toxic exposures.
Rev Murray stated in his submission that the proposed development “would negatively impact the local community, posing fire safety risks, and creating unwanted visual and noise disruptions.”