MEMBERS of the community in Drumkeen say they need answers regarding an energy storage unit proposed for the small village.
Residents attended a public meeting in Drumkeen parish hall where some claimed they have not been given enough information about the unit which is to be connected to the nearby 110kv electricity substation.
The project is proposed by FuturEnergy, which is a joint venture company owned by the ESB and Coillte.
The battery energy storage unit is a partnership between FuturEnergy and US company Form Energy and is to be located in an area of high ground in the townlands of Lettermore and Aughkeely.
Residents in Drumkeen recently received a newsletter from FuturEnergy outlining the company’s plans.
They say their ambition is to tackle climate change and improve energy security on behalf of the people of Ireland.
The timeline for the development is anything from six to ten years.
In the newsletter, FuturEnergy said: “Our aim is to develop responsible renewable energy projects in a way that respects the local community and the environment. From the outset, we will place a fundamental focus on inclusion and partnership with stakeholders.
“The Lettermore team will keep you updated and informed as the project progresses. We will also upload all information onto the project website www.lettermoreenergystorage.ie.
“We welcome your feedback on this project. If you wish to speak to a member of the team or would like to be included in updates, please subscribe on the project website or use the contact details in this newsletter.
“There is also a Support Us page on the website for your feedback.”
They added: “A battery energy storage system is a collection of weatherised container-like units that store electrical energy when it is available and release it when needed.
“Iron-air batteries are housed in units that resemble shipping containers and installed on level concrete foundations. The containers are approximately 12 metres by 2.5 metres by 2.5 metres.”
At the public meeting held last Tuesday night, many concerns were raised by those attending with some insisting they have not been informed enough on how the project will affect them in their day-to-day lives.
The possibility of land-slides was mentioned with the meeting told how the large storage units are proposed to be built on high ground.
The risk of fire if the unit was to overheat or be struck by lightning was also mentioned. One person recalled an incident when a wind turbine in the area was struck by lightning, causing damage to the roof of a nearby dwelling.
Concerns were also expressed over the ability of local roads and in particular, a small hump-back bridge in Lettermore to handle any large vehicles that might be needed to build the unit.
Tuesday’s meeting was also attended by local TD, Deputy Charles Ward and Donegal Aontú representative, Mary T Sweeney.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Ms Sweeney said she has also attended meetings regarding proposed battery facilities elsewhere in the county and is alarmed by the issues that could materialise because of these units.
“This is untested technology and the community deserve further clarity in relation to this before any planning application is submitted,” she said.
“This company should be comfortable in approaching the Drumkeen community who would be very receptive to having their concerns addressed in an open-form public meeting.
“It’s confusing to me why they would identify a 400 acre site for a project that could comfortably sit in a two acre site.
“What’s the need for that additional land? Are there other potential developments planned further down the road?
“We need answers and confirmation of exactly what’s intended.”
The residents of Drumkeen plan to meet again next Friday, October 23, at 7.30pm where they hope to draw up a list of questions which they will then submit to the developer.
They are encouraging those living in nearby communities, including Ballybofey and Stranorlar, and all interested parties to attend.
FuturEnergy were contacted by Donegal News in relation to this issue and would like to assure Lettermore residents and the wider community that a second newsletter will be issued in the coming weeks, which will provide a project update and final site layout, before a planning submission is made.
They said: “There will also be a full set of photomontages on the website www.lettermoreenergystorage.ie to show what the project would look like from various locations.
“After the Lettermore Energy Storage newsletter has been distributed to local homes and political representatives, our community engagement manager will call back to properties adjacent to the project, as before, to meet homeowners and answer any questions.”
They encourage anybody with questions to contact their community engagement manager Shane Lowry on 087 210 5889 or via email on [email protected].