Industrial Solar Explosion in East Cork: Leamlara Preservation Group Exposes the Truth скачать в хорошем качестве

Industrial Solar Explosion in East Cork: Leamlara Preservation Group Exposes the Truth

In this eye-opening interview, Niamh Lawlor from the Leamlara Preservation Group speaks candidly about the rapid and unchecked industrialisation of East Cork's countryside through large-scale solar farm developments. What started as isolated proposals has escalated into a sweeping transformation: over 6,000 acres (with estimates up to 7,000 when including pre-planning and expansions) are now approved, proposed, or expanding into vast solar industrial complexes and battery storage facilities. Key sites include: A 450-acre solar farm and substation in Leamlara (Ballysallagh area, recently overturned by An Coimisiún Pleanála despite Cork County Council's refusal on grounds of hydrology, visual impact, and archaeology) 450 acres in Bartlemy Up to 1,000 acres proposed in Inch/Killeagh (one of Ireland's largest potential solar farms) 125 acres and substation in Knockraha 373–378 acres (expanding) in Lysaghtstown, Carrigtwohill 300 acres in Tibbottstown, Carrigtwohill (one of the largest permitted in Ireland, acting as a hub) East Cork has become the 'epicentre' for solar due to grid access, yet there is no published cumulative impact assessment, no national planning guidelines for mega-scale industrial solar projects, and no clear emergency response framework for this 6,000-acre network—including risks from fires, flooding, or failures in battery storage. Niamh highlights grave environmental concerns: millions of non-biodegradable panels (potentially up to 6.2 million) face uncertain end-of-life disposal, risking long-term landfill or abandoned 'brownfield' sites. Runoff from angled panels could exacerbate flood risks along the Owenacurra River into Midleton, with warnings ignored. Taxpayers subsidise developers via the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), while communities face minimal consultation and feel powerless. The group stresses they are not anti-renewable—they support responsible climate action—but reject decisions made without proper safeguards, transparency, or community consent. This is "industrialisation by stealth," turning rural zones industrial without oversight, while small family homes face strict rules. As a grassroots effort, Leamlara Preservation Group has launched a GoFundMe to fund legal challenges and expertise, amid curtailed judicial review access and the need to raise €50,000 in just 14 days for court proceedings. This is David vs. Goliath—a fight for East Cork's landscape, future, and voice. Watch to hear directly from Niamh about why local communities deserve better planning and protection. Support the cause: Leamlara Preservation Group GoFundMe page: or visit their Facebook   / leamlara-preservation-group-61568256393292   Instagram leamlarapreservationgroup for updates or Email leamlarapreservationgroup@gmail.com #EastCork #SolarFarms #CommunityRights #RenewableEnergy #Leamlara