Dear Mr. Ginty,
I am a resident concerned with elements of chapter 12 and in particular Area 18 which is marked For Further Assessment in Appendices Map 6.46.
There seems to be some confusion around the these areas of Further Assessment on whether the areas have been already assessed or not before the Draft Plan was published. On my reading, it states that the area is up for further assessment, rather than the area has been assessed. Clarity on this would be much appreciated.
Regardless of this, I would like to draw your attention to the area which I have marked out on the interactive map which includes the townlands of Kilsarcon, Glounlea, Knockacorrin and also impacts on surrounding townlands. It is very concerning that this area is marked for Further Assessment for the suitablility of Wind Energy zoning. This area from your own maps show that the area is a Visually Sensitive Area. Wind Energy zoning of this area would not be in keeping with the visually sensitive nature of the area and its surroundings. I would have particular concerns with having Wind Turbines in this area that I have marked on the map, as peatland is located on steep sloping hills which would not be suitable for wind turbines due to the possible dangers of bog slides as well as displacing flora and fauna. It should be noted that bogland has been reclaimed in this area (Glounlea) into grassland in recent years and this should be taken into consideration during any assessment of this area.
The areas (marked outside the area which I have marked) which are also marked as Visually Sensitive would not be suitable for Wind Turbines due to the landscape sensitivity and visual impact of such constructions. Bogland has been marked out in the Kerry Biosphere Reserve Map 11.2 (map attached) which is adjacent to this part of Area 18 which has been marked for further assessment.
I propose that this area is not left open to consideration for Wind Energy Development in the County Development Plan 2022-28 due to the reasons outlined above.
Best Regards,
Niall