The Renewable Energy of Wind Farming in Ireland

THE RENEWABLE ENERGY

OF WIND FARMING IN

IRELAND

Author: Amy Dempsey MSc Construction Project Management: Dissertation

The Renewable Energy of Wind Farming in Ireland

MSc Construction Project Management: Dissertation

Author: Amy Dempsey

1

Abstract

This dissertation will investigate the renewable wind energy across Ireland. Factual evidence

from peer-reviewed academic journals, unstructured interviews and surveys will trace and look

into the process and installation of wind turbines locating the positions and developments

across Ireland where wind farming is producing electricity. An analysis of this approach will be

given, to exploring the industrial side example, The Irish Wind Energy Association (I.W.E.A)

of producing electricity, and to the domestic level of productivity for private use. Reports and

findings will help conclude in representing the negative and positive aspects of wind farms in

Ireland, exploring the issues of how wind turbines cause shadow flicker, noise, effects on local

habitats, eco – systems and Ireland’s skyline. It will explore other possible sources of renewable

energies Ireland may have to offer.

Key Words

Renewable Energy Source, Wind Turbines, Less Carbon Emissions, Maintenance Cost’s,

Noise Effects, Shadow flicker, Landscape, Ecological, Economic, Environment and Job

Creation.



Author: Amy Dempsey

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Chapter 1.

1.00 Introduction

The Irish Wind Energy Association was established in 1993, and is the main body in Ireland

representing, promoting and provide educational issues, on wind energy in Ireland. The IWEA

play a leading role in conference organization, lobbying and policy development on the island

in the Republic of Ireland. There are a wide range of wind energy companies across Ireland.

Wind energy is a valuable source of renewable energy and there is a market to take advantage

of it as suggested by (Carton 2010). Could there be too many developments across Ireland

with wind energy, as the wind energy guidelines dating back from 2006 need to be updated and

a constant regulatory system be put in place (Braonain 2013).

1.01 Background

Ireland is highly dependent on imported fuels. On the island, Ireland’s only independent fuel

is peat. Fossil fuels are running low; and the costs i.e. (oil and gas) are constantly on the rise. If

war was to break out in the morning in areas where Ireland gets its fuel supply from e.g. Russia,

Eastern Europe, Ireland would be cut off from fuel sources, the country has only sufficient

reserves to last 78 days (Donnelly 2010) This is one of the main reasons why there is great

interest in Renewable Energy Sources, so Ireland can be a more independent country within its

energy source sector. One of the intense topics of renewable energy in Ireland is wind energy.

Ireland became a member of the European Union (E.U) in 1973, in the past twenty years

Ireland has followed an E.U policy which was put in place for all members of the E.U to reach

targets to lower greenhouse gas emissions. In 1990 within Europe, gas emissions were spiralling

out of control. Hence over the past few years there has been an agreement within the E.U and

Ireland (Kyoto Protocol), that Ireland reach a target by 2020 of reducing it greenhouse gas

emissions by 20%.



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This dissertation will consist of a broad research towards the locations of wind turbines located

across Ireland. The construction process, the workings of the turbines, maintenance costs and

lifespan will be analysed and studied. There will be an investigation of Irelands biggest wind

turbine to date. It has been reported by (Zhe et al, 2011) that Ireland has four times wind

energy resource than that of the European average. This report is important because the need

to educate wind energy is lacking, both for beneficial and non -beneficial. Ireland has gradually

grown over the years in providing a better environment, and would like to use this natural

energy source practiced safely and have a more future prospect energy security.

1.02 Rationale

Wind Energy in Ireland is an important development in the Irish energy sector. Ireland relies

highly on imported fossil fuels, and these are decreasing every year around the world (Rourke

F, 2009). This dissertation will generate information on wind energy of how we can use this

renewable source by its most effective ways, while keeping the environment in mind. The area

of the topic will be addressed across Ireland. This will include researching wind energy both

domestic and industrial in connection with the two main national grid company’s EirGrid and

E.S.B (Energy Supply Board). The topic will include the history of wind energy, the variety of

wind turbines, the onshore turbine locations, and there will be a study of the beneficial and

non-beneficial of wind energy in Ireland.

1.03 Significance of Research

The importance of this dissertation is to produce a professional document for educational

purposes by exploring the renewable energy source of onshore wind energy. Examining the

social and environmental impacts of wind energy in Ireland. Ranging from the economical side

and equities Ireland may gain from wind energy. The locations across Ireland that are in the

proposed structural framework of developments and to examine the argumentative side

following the benefits and negative environmental impacts wind energy may offer.

1.04 Aim

The aim of this research is to inquire into The Renewable Energy of Wind Farming, the

method of generating electricity from onshore wind turbines.



Author: Amy Dempsey

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1.05 Hypothesis

It is naïve to think wind energy is Ireland’s solutions towards the renewable energy sector.

1.06 0bjectives

1. To produce a theoretical understanding of wind energy and the installation process of

Wind Turbines/Farms in Ireland.

2. To assess the current position of the source of energy in Ireland.

3. To investigate the role of wind in electricity and for the commercial market.

4. To examine and identify the negative and positive aspects of wind farming in Ireland.

5. To understand what exactly wind farming energy has to offer.

1.7 Structure of the Dissertation Chapters.

The following structure will be implemented in to this dissertation.

Chapter 1: An introduction in to the chosen topic, following with aims, objectives and why the

topic has been chosen.

Chapter 2: Will consist of a literature review in relation to five themes.

Chapter 3: Will consist of research methods elected and the methodological considerations

that will reinforce the research undertaken. In this section the layout and approach will be fully

justified.

Chapter 4: Will deal with the analysis of data from surveys and unstructured interviews for the

investigation and present findings.

Chapter 5: Will present an argumentative approach of the findings and an analysis proving with

further importance that has linked the concept within the research sources.

Chapter 6: This chapter will bring the investigation to an end, with a collaboration of

conclusions of the research and findings which were encountered, and will follow with

recommendations for future research on the topic.



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1.8 Model of Dissertation Structure

Research Methodology

Literature Review

Introduction and

research problem

Data Collection

Data Analysis

Discuss findings and relate

back to literature

Conclusions and

Recommendations

Objective 1.

Objective 2.

Objective 3.

Objective 4.

Objective 5.

Interviews

Literature

Potential

Developments

Examine the Wind Energy

process and electricity.

Investigate the Environmental

impacts Wind Energy has on

Ireland. (Greenhouse gas

emissions)

Generate an overall

understanding of the wind

industry regulations and

structure across Ireland.

Develop theoretical

propositions



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1.09 Conclusion

Wind energy developments are growing across Ireland, one of the largest developments of

wind energy developments is to begin in 2015 across the midlands of Ireland and it is proposed

that this will represent the largest wind farm in Europe (Engineering & Technology, 2013).

This dissertation seeks to present an understanding of the renewable source of wind energy in

Ireland and focus on the prior hypothesis stated earlier above. Arguments will be put forward

for the benefits and negative impacts wind energy has on Ireland, support from academic peer-

reviewed papers will supply the relevant information. An investigation will examine the role of

wind in electricity and domestic market for private use. Finally this dissertation will

comprehend the availability of wind energy on a renewable source in Ireland and why Ireland

needs to explore beyond fossil fuels, to consider other renewable energy sources (biomass,

wave, geothermal and solar i.e. to reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions, keeping in mind

of the E.U agreement).



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Chapter 2. Critical Literature Review

2.00 Background:

Recent reports on the Wind Energy sector suggest that this sector has grown across Ireland in

recent years, (Zhe et al, 2010). (O’Sullivan 2013) on the 25th

of January 2013, after the Irish

Minister for Energy, Pat Rabbit T.D announced a sale to Britain of wind energy. Ireland is

becoming aware of it potential energy resource and is using it to its advantage by improving its

equity source. This has meant that the proposal of the world’s largest wind turbines are now

going to be built and located across the Irish midlands for the production of electricity

(Braonain 2013) and (Engineering & Technology, 2013). However this has not helped build

the general public’s positive opinion. (King et, al 2011) and (Diamond 2009) claim public’s

negativity towards the interference of ecological systems and landscape towards wind energy.

This has come to light due to speculation of environmental effects and humans claiming wind

turbine noise syndrome. These reports have been targeted mainly towards the turbines, which

have been accused of causing a number of problems, from the height of the turbines, noise

pollution, destroying the landscape, high maintenance costs, high decommissioning costs and it

have been suggested they have interfered with the agricultural sector, such as animal livestock.

Ireland’s energy fuel system is vulnerable and future fuel prices are predicted (Connolly 2010)

to increase 44% in 2020 due to fuel price increases around the world alone. Ireland is aware

that it must make a contribution towards reducing its greenhouse gas emissions as it has signed

a treaty with the E.U to accomplish this.



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2.01 Introduction

Wind Energy is defined as creating energy from wind. Applying wind turbines that are like

giant pinwheels. The blades on the turbine situated at the top, are turned by the force of the

wind, which create and store energy in special designed battery-types as they spin. This energy

can be then used to power homes and businesses.

The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on 11 December 1997 and entered into law

on 16 February 2005. 184 Parties of the Convention have ratified its Protocol to date. It is an

international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

Change.

The Kyoto Protocol was the first real international summit, resulting in agreement between

countries where many of the world's industrial nations settled on certifiable treaty to lower their

emissions of six greenhouse gases in a direction to reduce elements to global warming. The

main highlight of the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets connecting aims for the 37 industrialized

countries and the European community for lowering emissions. This amount to an average of

five per cent against 1990

levels over the five-year

period 2008-2012.

Figure 2.1 represents how

Ireland’s energy growth

increased dramatically in the

1990’s and is estimated to

grow by 38% in the time span

between 2005-2020.

Following on ten years later

under the Kyoto Protocol in the United Nations Framework convention on Climate change,

the E.U came to an agreement, to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the E.U by

eight per cent below 1990 levels (Scannell 2011). Following a five year agreement from 2007 to

2012, Ireland agreed to reduce their emissions, and have done so, as suggested by reports from

the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A) in Ireland, Sustainable Energy Authority of

Ireland and the E.U.

(Figure 2.1)

http://unfccc.int/2860.php

http://unfccc.int/2860.php



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The above (Figure 2.2) represents Ireland’s total fuel consumption between the years 1990-

2012. Ireland’s primary energy in 2012 fell by 4.6% following a 6.5% fall in 2012. Main fuel

energy requirements peaked in 2008 and have now decreased by 19% since then. This chart

below (Figure 2.c) represents Ireland’s Kyoto Limit for greenhouse gas emissions

(Figure 2.3).

This graph represents the trend in yearly Green House Gas emissions in Ireland for the

period1990-2012. The emissions are grouped in relation to the source.

(Figure 2.2)(From Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, February 2014)

Million Tons

Total Final Consumption by Fuel 1990-2012



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(Figure 2.4)

Figure 2.4 represents the first breach of Ireland’s Kyoto target for the period 2008 – 2012 was

in 1998. In 2001, greenhouse gas emissions were at a high of 27% above 1990 levels. 2002

there was a decrease in emissions which dropped to 24% above 1990 levels. In 2008 and 2011

there was a rate of reduction in emissions due to the economic downturn as this helped reduce

levels of emissions, with an estimated fall of emissions by 15.2% between 2008 and 2011. 2012

emissions rose by 1.2% in comparison with 2011. The Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) estimated that total greenhouse gas emissions took a rise in 2012 by 1.2% this meant that

there was an increase of 58 million tonnes of emissions. This has meant Ireland is meeting the

emissions target are have been below Ireland’s Kyoto limit of 62.84 Mt CO2eq.

Recent research has shown, Ireland is coming under pressure from the European Union and

from the continuous pressure from its economic downturn; Ireland’s wind energy source is

being taken advantage of, (Diamond 2009). (Gent 2013) suggests that Ireland made a historical

abundant of wind energy sale to England on the 25th

of January 2013.Ireland would capitalise

on this sale. It is stated by (Li 2011) and supported by (O’Sullivan 2011) that Ireland has a great

abundance of wind energy. (McGarrigle E V, 2013) Ireland is positioned well toward wind

currents coming from the east and west of the country. With this abundant of energy will

Ireland lease out its terrain to other neighbouring E.U counties to develop the energy, after all

Ireland is still new to this development of renewable energy. Ireland is heavily dependent on

KYOTO TARGET FOR

IRELAND (2008 -2012)



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fossil fuels (Connolly 2010). 89% of Ireland’s total consumption of fuel is imported. (Rourke

2009) suggest the leading consumer in Ireland for energy is the transport sector coming in at

41.5%, then with residential at 23%, industrial sectors at 20.6%, agriculture is 2.5% and service

sectors are at 12.4%. It is evident that Ireland needs to find new alternative energy sources to be

more secure, dependent, efficient, environmentally friendly and economic in its energy system.

For such a small country there is an issue that Ireland relies too heavily on transportation. Costs

in fossil fuels are rising all the time. A feasibility study carried out by (Gardner et al, 2003)

explored the effects of wind energy in Ireland, and recognized the most costly aspects of wind

energy was the transmission reinforcement, wind curtailment, capital costs and operating costs.

It is claimed by (Gardner et al, 2003) that in 2004 the E.S.B (Electricity Supply Board) did a

cost analysis, they concluded wind energy would increase generation cost’s €196 million.

Though (Meibom et al, 2008) disagrees, they came up with a study that identified of what the

effects of large wind turbines in Ireland in terms of overall operational costs and emissions.

Research found that Ireland could meet a 42% feasible wind penetration by 2020.

This source of energy does have its beneficial and non-beneficial aspects. (Braonain 2013)

suggests a review needs to be given to the Irish Energy Planning Guidelines (2006), due to

speculation and related issues dealing with noise and shadow flicker from wind turbines. It was

agreed in a letter by (The Department of the Environment , Community and local

Government 2013) that a review was to be undertaken on the Irish Energy Planning Guidelines

(2006), it is now being reviewed at present focusing on noise, proximity and shadow flicker of

the turbines. (King E, 2011) Says undoubtable that wind turbines will generate noise and that

they are more of an annoyance visually.

When the wind drops and the wind turbine stop turning, a costly issue with them is the

upstarts in rebooting the wind turbines start back up again. If the wind is blowing to fast then

the turbines have to be shut down as they cannot take the force of the wind if the wind speeds

are too fast for the wind turbines. Upstarts or ramping up and down is costly to power stations

suggests (Carton, 2010).

Behind the shadows there are programmes and studies being carried out as we speak to find

best possible solutions for wind energy. Further on down through the chapter, benefits and

non-beneficial of wind energy will be illustrated.



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2.02 Introduction to relevant topics:

The Irish onshore wind energy industry is regularly being brought up as a major game player

for renewable energy source in Ireland over the past five years, (Scannell 2011) and (Mc

Garrgle 2013). A contributing factor to this is the necessity for the consumption of energy fuels,

and Ireland depends heavily on imported fossil fuels. Ireland has signed a treaty with the E.U

to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and to assemble the required target by 2020. This

chapter will examine the physical/mechanical process of wind turbines, from the building stage

to the production of electricity. A wind energy development across Ireland will be examined

(Melia et al, 2013). The feasibility of the production of electricity from wind turbines will be

examined. Arguments representing the negative and positive aspects of wind energy in Ireland

will be evaluated. Possible Renewable Energy Sources in Ireland (Rourke 2009) will be

assessed.



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Picture 2.a (Photograph taken by Amy Dempsey, location Ringaskiddy, Co Cork)

2.03 The Physical/Mechanical Process of Wind Turbines

A key issue regarding the wind turbines is the separation or distance between surrounding

turbines and neighbouring homes. A Danish rule of thumb is slowly making its way into

Ireland’s installation of wind turbines. This rule of thumb states, the turbines are to be no

closer to neighbouring homes four times then the total height of the turbine. Installation of

wind turbines of onshore (Horgan 2012) and (Manwell et al, 2003) suggest there are four man

components which form the foundations for the turbines, aerodynamics, gravity, dynamic

interactions and mechanical control.

Aerodynamics: is the study of the motion of air and the interaction between the air and the

wind turbine moving through it.

Gravity : is a force that pulls together all matter/turbine.

Dynamic Interactions: is how the wind turbine will react to the foundation that holds it in place.

Mechanical Control: controls the speed of the turbine. (If the wind is blowing to fast then the

turbine will be slowed down or turned in the opposite direction, so it doesn’t overload)

Before construction of a wind energy development takes place both the Sustainable Energy

Authority of Ireland guidelines (2012) and the Scottish National Heritage (2010) both agree,

key issues need to be addressed and researched in the located area of the development, these

are as follows, seasonal considerations, construction method statement,



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Ecological/environmental studies, recreation and access, woodland removal, drainage,

Construction access, site compound, cable installation, turbine foundation/crane pad and

finally habitat restoration, (Draper, 2014) also agrees with this.

With any type of construction, first comes groundwork’s then a foundation. Research by the

Scottish National Heritage (2010) the construction of a turbine foundation and crane pad

construction starts first with the testing of the ground conditions. This is vital because the

ground conditions will determine the type of foundation to be put in place to support the

turbine. The type of foundations used for onshore turbines are, piled, anchored and gravity .

Renewable U.K (2012) explains the construction phase of a wind development has three stages

and these are turbine manufacture which will include the tower, blades and internal

components, balance of the plant which will incorporate activities to install completed turbine

and grid connection which will consist of connecting the turbines to the national grid.

(Rourke 2009) explains wind turbines fall into two categories, horizontal axis and vertical axis.

Vertical wind turbines (rotating shaft is vertical to the ground).

The horizontal (shaft rotates horizontal to the ground) wind turbines are the most familiar used

in Ireland; these consist of a three rotor blade system. The shaft rotates and is connected to the

gearbox which controls the speed to drive the generator. The perfect speed these models are

designed for is approximately 12 to 14ms (medium speed), highest electricity output is achieved

at this speed.



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How the Turbines produce electricity: wind passes over the blades creating a lift which causes

the rotor to turn. The blades turn the speed shaft inside the outboard engine structure, where

the gears which are connected to the low speed shaft of the rotor with the high speed shaft that

powers the generator. Slow rotation speed of the blades is raised to the high speed of the

generator. The gearbox is used to control the variable speeds of the blade, and to supply a safe

(rpm) revolution per minute. The fast spinning shaft drives the generator to produce electric

energy. The Electricity from the generator is fed into a transformer which then transforms the

power into a safe voltage for the electricity grid. This is then fed into the national grid, which in

turn reduces the load on the main generating stations.

Figure 2.5 represents how the wind turbines produce the electricity, the rotating generator

converts the wind electricity, the transformer increases voltage to transfer to a substation, this is

then transmitted over long distances where the electricity is then transmitted to the grid.

Figure 2.5



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Picture 2.2(Photograph taken by Amy Dempsey, location Kilivinane Wind Farm)

2 .04 Wind Energy Developments across Ireland

The national Grid is the nation’s energy infrastructure where all energy requirements are

channelled to the areas around Ireland. EirGrid Plc. is a public limited company owned by the

state and provides the service of an electric power transmission operator. The E.S.B Ltd, are

the electrical supply board who are an independent distribution system operator for Ireland

who connect meter services for customers across Ireland. In order for the wind turbines to

produce electricity, they need to be on the national grid. This is part operated by EirGrid and

the E.S.B Networks. (Carton 2010) explains Ireland has plenty of wind farms distributed

around the country in locations where there is plentiful wind currents, but the problem lies with

the small scale of cabling infrastructure which has caused transmission problems.

The development of wind energy in Ireland has meant that by 2007 Ireland had thirty-five

onshore wind energy sites (Rourke 2009). Since then 2007, over the years the wind farming

markets have become larger in terms of more stable. The reason for this is that wind energy is

clean and leads to lower emissions and form a good relationship with the E.U. There are now

198 wind farms established in Ireland across the twenty-six counties (IWEA 2013). (Melia et

al, 2013) claims that Bord na Mona are going to build over six hundred wind turbines in the

midlands (east Offaly) of Ireland, which will lead to be the biggest onshore wind farm in



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Europe. It is part of a €5 billion clean energy hub scheme, Ireland will not receive any of this

energy as it is adamant that all of this is exported to the U.K. The programme is expected to

begin in 2015 when planning permission is granted. Reading this article one does have to

comment, that is a lot of wind turbines over 20,000 hectare site, and each turbine will stand 100

metres in the air, did the U.K not have enough space or is there no wind blowing there. Ireland

should take cautious steps, because Ireland is a small country and the landscape could become

less refined. Reaping the benefits won’t last for long. (Melia et al, 2013) and (Rourke 2009)

Ireland is only benefiting from looking to get rich quick, when Ireland should be looking into

the future of possible outcomes.

The rest of this topic will challenge the benefits and disadvantages throughout the dissertation.

Main area’s in Ireland where there is onshore wind development range from the breadth of the

country north and south (Cork to Belfast). The area on which most research will be carried out

are local wind developments in Cork, which are Mallow, Dunmanway and Macroom, these

area’s seem to be accessible to gain relevant information and local knowledge.



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2.05 Is Electricity Production from Wind Turbines, Feasible

An interesting energy study which was set up in Dundalk Institute of Technology on the east

coast of Ireland, (Carton 2010) explains how the college in 2002 took on a challenge to meet

the EU 2020 target by 2010. Their aim was to develop and act as a potential region as a

national demonstration for sustainable energy. A wind turbine was installed on the campus in

2005. In 2006 the results were that the wind turbine produced 33% of the colleges electricity,

the other 67% was imported from the grid with a bill of €237,000.00 but the college saved

€130,000.00. The overall cost of the wind turbine was €1.1 million to install including vat @

13.5%. The carbon footprint of the college has reduced by 1300 tonnes per annum. The

savings the college have on the electricity is €125,000.00, it is claimed the college will have the

turbine paid off in seven years. A problem that is not being discussed is when the wind drops

beyond a certain point or blow faster than the turbine can take on the gear speed, the turbine

shuts down and electricity is not produced. Power then is needed to reboot the turbines and

this can increase costs.

(Connolly 2010) and (Meibom et al 2008) do go in to some detail and explain Ireland has large

wind dispersions on the island of Ireland towards operation, costs and emissions. Ireland has a

wind dispersion of 42% and this would be feasible for Ireland by 2020. (Gardner 2003) the

most costly aspects of wind energy is transmission re-enforcement, wind curtailment, capital

costs and operating costs. A cost related issue (Carton 2010) explains Ireland has a poor

record for losing electricity transmissions due to a poor cabling infrastructure and is not

recognised for having a high voltage grid of an industrialised country such as the bigger game

players i.e. England and France. It is believed though with the right technologies and new

strategies in distributing power these may overcome the unnecessary loss that Ireland

encounter’s at the moment in its energy sector.



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2.06 Benefits & Non-Beneficial Aspects of Wind Farming in Ireland

Besides aesthetics and locations across Ireland where wind farms are appearing, a drawback of

wind power, has been it is an unreliable source as suggested by a report published in an article

Environment (2007), the wind doesn’t blow too much. (O’Sullivan 2011) doesn’t agree with

this, and he suggests Ireland has one of the best wind and wave resources in Europe. (King

2012) agrees with O’Sullivan, rating Ireland to be in an ideal position to use wind energy from

as a renewable source because of Ireland’s geographical position and climate. (Li et al, 2012)

believes Ireland to have four times wind energy resource than that of the European average.

This has also been established by (Rourke et al, 2009) claiming also that Ireland has four times

the average. When Ireland looks to the east, it faces the Irish Sea and when facing west you

have the Atlantic Ocean. (Carton et al, 2010) suggests Ireland is penetrated all year round

constantly with strong south westerly winds coming from weather systems that travel from the

Atlantic and head east, and these are prime conditions for wind turbines to produce electricity.

From wind energy for Ireland (Timoney et al, 2012) such benefits from wind energy include

Ireland becoming more stable in energy security, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

and meeting the E.U targets that were set for reduction in emissions. It is estimated to reach the

2020 target for renewable energies of 40%, €14 billion euro will be invested creating over

10,700 jobs. The article by (Rourke et al, 2009) explains there are a number in Ireland of

barriers in front of wind energy in Ireland. The issue’s in full swing are, environmental

concerns, public health effects on humans, noise, effect on birds, visual impact,

electromagnetic interference and shadow, grid connection, lack of funding from the

government, tax on renewable energy technologies reducing competitiveness of the technology.

Environmental concerns surrounding wind energy has focused around the wind turbines

themselves. (McAuley et al, 2012) explains the visual impact of wind turbines are related

especially in area’s which are sensitive to nature. The turbines can stress out ecosystems, and

can upset aesthetics of the land, the disturbance of flora and fauna is another concern. Birds

have been known to fly into the rotary blades of the turbines and their migration patterns have

become unrecognisable, they have not been able to map out where they are going (Shepherd et

al, 2011). (Broanain 2013) As mentioned earlier The Department of Environment Community

and Local Government want to revise the 2006 Guidelines for wind Energy and this is due to

noise and shadow flicker from wind turbines. The potential health effects towards humans are

shadow flicker which has been speculated to cause humans seizers. There have been no peer-



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reviewed academic journals to prove of this. The noise from wind turbines has been mixed

reviews. (King et al, 2011) the main growing concerns in Ireland are the negativity towards the

visual impact and noise that relate to wind farms. One is most likely to hear wind turbine noise

when they are at low speeds. They will produce noise, it is inevitable. While it all depends on

how far you are located between the wind turbines. (Van den Berg et al, 2008) claims wind

turbine noise is more of an annoyance. (Pederson and Larsman 2008) describes the more

closer you live near a wind farm it is likely you will hear it constantly and there will be a

probability of annoyance. There should be more measures taken into account when planning a

wind farm near surroundings. Maybe Ireland should consider the Danish rule of thumb.




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2.07 Other Possible Renewable Energy Sources in Ireland

There are other possible renewable energy sources in Ireland which can be explored for

further renewable energy prospects. These may be (Rourke 2009) Biomass fuel, which are

dead organic materials broken down and also plants specially grown for fuel. Solar energy

which can be converted into thermal energy, geothermal energy which is energy stored beneath

the earth’s surface, wave energy form the oceans waves and lastly hydroelectricity which is water

flowing into electricity. The differences between all the renewable energy sources is a barrier of

their feasibility to construct, extract and continuously contain and produce which ever energy

source may be. The first step towards a 100% renewable energy-system for Ireland (Connolly

et al, 2010) includes a review of the literature on the influence that Ireland has an abundance of

renewable energy sources, ranging from, wind, wave, geothermal, solar and biomass. Here but

a few to name, there are a number of barrier’s up against biomass fuel in Ireland, there is the

uncertainty of availability of resources, Irish Government won’t support it financially, tax’s from

renewable energy technologies reduce the competitiveness of the technology. Solar energy,

backup systems are required in Ireland because of the lack of sun, lack of funding from the

government, grid connection, tax’s from renewable energy technologies reduce the

competitiveness of the technology. Geothermal holds a similar amount of barriers of both solar

and biomass, but geothermal feasibility is unknown as (Connelly et al, 2009) states, geothermal

technology requires approximately the same external ground area as the floor area of the

house.



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2.08 Summary

Ireland is aware it needs to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions it is producing. Ireland has

signed an agreement with the E.U and must meet the treaty’s requirements by 2020. Wind

energy developments are growing across Ireland, one of the largest developments of wind

energy is to begin in 2015 and it is proposed that this will represent the largest wind farms in

Europe. The feasibility of wind energy has proven to be an investment as the Dundalk Institute

of Technology have carried out research and proved this theory.

The potential health problem that have been speculated and discussed, proof is yet to be

discovered that wind turbines create seizers towards people, if anything they have been proven

to be a hindrance with the noise they can produce from the rotating blades. One does have to

comment is the annoyance side more on the fact of where they are positioned especially if you

are residing not too far from where the turbines are located.

Cautious steps and more research needs to be explored in the areas of ecological systems and

habitats/wild animals, as these might be more effected in the positioning of the wind energy

developments. Finally other renewable energy sources in Ireland are limiting until new

developments of technologies have been developed and established, as solar power is a

potential for some other European countries, but not suited to Ireland as the sun record here is

poor. The country will soon have to focus more on renewable energy forms.

Identification of a viable research questions to be prepared in the next stages of the research.

1. Do wind turbines give off gas emissions.

2. Can Ireland take on the capacity from the future proposed developments.

3. Will tourism be affected, (since it is one of the country’s economic benefits).

4. Can the noise and flicker from the turbines develop into epilepsy in humans.

5. Is it worth clearing natural habitat for developments and then trying to regenerate it, will

this have a serious ecological impact in the future.



Author: Amy Dempsey

23

Chapter 3. Research Methodology

3.00 Introduction

The main aim of research is to inquire into The Renewable Energy of Wind Farming in

Ireland, a method of generating electricity from onshore wind turbines in Ireland. A

combination of research methods which will be introduced and used throughout will consist of

quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research design. These methods will dictate and

justify the evidence and findings which will be obtained to support the research. Information on

the subject will be made aware and clarified. Recent research suggest, the main concerns

surrounding wind farming in Ireland is the landscape they are situated on, effects on habitat

systems, shadow flicker, noise and vibration the wind turbines are producing. While other

sources of information suggest that Ireland will benefit from wind energy. Most recently

claimed by Dr Brian Motherway on the 18th

of February 2014, a CEO of Sustainable Energy

Authority Ireland, which in the last five years renewable energy has saved Ireland € 1 billion

euro in imported fossil fuels and emissions had been reduced by 12 million tonnes. Ireland at

present spends €6.5 billion euro a year on importing fossil fuels.

Research methods and findings will help conclude in representing the argumentative negative

and positive aspects of wind farms in Ireland and source other renewable energies of which

Ireland may have to offer (Scannell 2011). Other key objectives where research will be guided

is producing a theoretical understanding of the installation process of wind turbines, to

investigate and locate developments across Ireland, generate an annalistic approach, exploring

the industrial side and domestic production of electricity for private use. The following

research methods will now be explained and why and how they will be demonstrated.



Author: Amy Dempsey

24

Figure 3.1

Figure (3.1) represents four steps in which the research approaches will be carried out

throughout the dissertation. Each research method from 1 to 4 will be explained in how these

methods will generate the flow of research through the dissertation.

3.02 Research (Philosophy)

The research philosophy will be the development of the assumptions and the way the research

is viewed and analysed throughout. It will be the knowledge which has been digested, and then

to develop that knowledge further in the particular aim of the dissertation. The development of

the background research in the dissertation is developing an understanding of Ireland’s naivety

to think wind energy is Ireland’s solutions towards the renewable energy sector. A standing

point of method research which will be applied is Positivism.

i. Positivism

The positivism approach will consist of collecting general information and data from

academic peer-reviewed journals, charts and diagrams, which will lead to cause and

effect. Observations will be made on the social and reality of the aim. Here this will

then lead to building other possible solutions which will rectify and remedy the

objectives of wind energy that is being claimed in the thesis. (Saunders et al, 2009)

Positivism Realism &

Interpretism

Deductive & Inductive

Survey &Case Study

Interviews

Questionnaires

1. Research Philosophy

2. Research Approaches

3. Research Strategies

4. Data collection methods



Author: Amy Dempsey

25

ii. Realism

Realism approach is the reality of truth, it is assuming scientific approaches as similar to

those of positivism development of knowledge by collecting data and understanding it.

There are two types of realism, direct and critical. Direct is based on what you see is

what you get and how we portray and experience. This has been applied when

interviews were carried out on site near wind farms in County Cork. Being on site and

visualising and gaining a real sense of what’s going on. Critical realism is portraying a

substitution for what is actual fact or real, it is built on illusion and not adequate

information. A survey of 15 questions was applied and 97 participants took part, from

their answers graphs and conclusions were determined

iii. Interpretivism

Interpretivism research philosophy is the ability to understand someone else’s theory

instead of one’s own. It’s about putting yourself into someone else’s research of the

subject and understanding their point of view for what they are trying to portray across.

This type of philosophy is a more appropriate method in the business or market

managing world, and the renewable energy sector is becoming a big market in trading

says (Farrell, 2014).



Author: Amy Dempsey

26

Figure 3.2 Saunders and Lewis

The figure (3.2) represents a research onion. It is a designed map to help aid, in the research

studies throughout the dissertation. The research methods consist of layers just like an onion

which gradually will be peeled back to get to the main core to conduct interviews and survey.

3.03 Research Approaches

i. Deductive

This approach is testing the theory based on scientific facts. It is developing the theory

through research and putting it through its paces or a severe test. The deductive way is

testing the hypothesis, expressing and examining the outcomes of the hypothesis, this may

then confirm the theory of may need more research to be applied. The qualitative

approach applied allows the examination of the hypothesis to be proved.

ii. Inductive

The inductive approach is applying and comprehending the meanings people attach to

events or happenings. It brings a near understanding of research in circumstances of an

event which leads to a gathering of information to be used of qualitative data. A flexible

approach is more intertwined into the research, if the research changes then this can lead to

http://www.google.ie/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=P0WP1ElEj613eM&tbnid=NVLkqYwwHo1CRM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://futureideas.eu/choosing-a-research-design-part-1-philosophies-and-approaches/&ei=tswBU_nJLIiihgf544CoBg&bvm=bv.61535280,d.ZGU&psig=AFQjCNHLsfWh9ERnFZccHiT79pBSC6mOWg&ust=1392713170534087



Author: Amy Dempsey

27

an importance towards the research as it develops. This approach will complement when

gathering information based on charts from survey.

Quantitative

Continuous research for collecting numeric data and analysing numbers mathematically. It

relates to quantity. (Saunders et, al 2009) suggest quantitative is the analysis tic approach, for

graphs, charts and statistical to indicate information. Quantitative is having research that relates

to numbers, counting, statistic and measuring to collect hard data with pre-determined

questions with only certain limited amount of answers. ‘It involves the collection and analysis of

highly structured data in the positivist tradition’. (Bowing 2007) cited in (McDonald 2009). The

survey carried out in this dissertation provided the total percentage of people whom took part

in each question. This data was then gathered and drawn up in charts to give the reader a visual

of what the data meant. This method was applied because it gave the reader a simpler way to

analyse and interpret ate the results.

Qualitative

Qualitative research is used when there is very little known about the topic. People’s own

research, understanding what they are talking about, and interpret ate into one’s own

understanding, by examining views and perceptions such as words and pictures. Qualitative

research method leads to questions that are those that have more quality information more

than nonmaterial, on what people do, how they feel, what their opinion is. Qualitative research

aims to study people in their natural settings and to focus on people’s experiences’ (Walsh

2001) cited in (Mc Donald 2009). This method is inductive as it bases ideas and perspective

feelings whether or not what is being investigated, as (Charoenruk 2013) suggests, in the

qualitative method of research there is no reason to quantify the knowledge or information

found.



Author: Amy Dempsey

28

Dissimilarities among Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Quantitative Qualitative

Meanings from numbers Meanings through words

Results transferred into data Classified into a category

Data transferred into diagrams or statistics Analysis tic approach of belief or view

Figure 3.3

The figure (3.3) represents how quantitative and qualitative research methods differ from each

other.

Mixed methods

Is a combination of both, of the above methods in researching to provide a good strong case in

what is trying to be achieved through the research.

Figure 3.4

Figure (3.4) represents the qualitative research method, with three key headings under the

epistemological approach. With the collaboration of the three key factors, positivism,

interpretive and critical, the epistemological approach will lead to the investigation of what

illustrates and supports from what the research is trying to prove in the dissertation. This

Qualitative method of research is to provide a flow throughout the thesis.

QUALITATIVE

POSITIVISM INTERPRETIVE CRITICAL



Author: Amy Dempsey

29

3.04 Research Strategies

i. Survey

A survey in a research strategy will consist of gathering information on issues on the

related subject which cannot be all seen at once such as way in which people see or

perceive the subject. This can then lead to qualitative or quantitative data.

ii. Case Study

For the second research strategy, a case study will represent and focus strongly on one

or a few observations with looking to provide a detailed account of events which are

being researched in that of pin pointed precision. The case being chosen by the

researcher can be a person or situation. Case studies are a more poplar approach of

strategy when dealing with dissertations (McDonald 2009). When carrying out a case

study, it must be carefully planned and one must be able to justify their choice of

selection.

Figure 3.5 (5 Point rating Scale based on (Johnson 2012) concept.)

(Johnson 2012) refers to using a technique towards surveys by using a five point rating scale as

the answers for the respondent. The questions are put forward to the respondent and they have

five possible answers they may choose from.A similar structured survey will be drawn up using

Johnson’s approach for possible answer choices.

1. STRONGLY

DISAGREE

2. DISAGREEE

3. NEUTRAL

5. STRONGLY

AGREE 4. AGREE



Author: Amy Dempsey

30

3.05 Data Collection Methods

Questionnaire

A questionnaire is the most used tool when collecting information. A questionnaire is

used for gaining information and developing that information into research questions. It

is a given that one must be careful when designing a questionnaire as they do not want

to come across as being bias, negative and always to remain impartial. There are a

number of questions that can be asked and these are closed question, forced question

and multiple choice question a few but to name. A closed question consists of a ‘yes or

‘no answer, a forced question is i.e., are you male or female? The multiple choice

question then provides the respondents with a number of answers i.e., ‘What kind of

person are you? A) Ambitious B) Strong willed C) Hard working or D) Other. The

advantages of using a questionnaire is it is cheap, they can be distributed efficiently,

people can remain anonymous whomever are completing them and it can be a straight

forward process.

Interviews

An interview is a method of collecting data is a way of producing a series of questions

whom will be directed at particular professional respondents. There are two forms of

interviews in which they may be structured to give the efficient benefits towards the

research and these are as follows:

a) Structural Interview: this type of interview has a format of asking all the

respondents in the exact same order as the previous respondents. This type

of interview is beneficial when interviewing a group, whom share similar

interests, or for the researcher who has great knowledge on the subject as

the questions would flow more easily when asking the respondent.

b) Unstructured Interview: this is based on a qualitative detailed data approach.

Instead of a formal approach of having questions laid out in order, the

interviewer will set topics for the interviewee to respond to as they will. This

is a beneficial way of interviewing someone as it will hold a more detailed



Author: Amy Dempsey

31

approach when the interviewee is discussing topics with a more focused and

relaxed approach. The advantages of this approach, is the interviewer can

get the interviewee to explain their answers and also the interviewer will be

able to observe if the interviewee understands the questions. The interviews

which were carried out in this dissertation were of an unstructured interview.

This form was chosen because it was a more relaxed approach when

interviewing the participants, both for the interviewer and interviewee.

Ethical Issues

When addressing the surveys and interviews, the participants were fully informed of what the

study entailed, what their participation involved, how long the study will take towards the

surveys or interviews and what impact it will have on them. Once the people whom are

involved in this study knew exactly what it is about, a consent form was presented to them to

proceed with the study. The participants in this research were given an information sheet in

clear understanding context; the participants were given 24 hours to consider taking part in the

research study.

Once the participant decided they wanted to be part of the research study, a consent form was

obtained from them. A standard written consent form was supplied to the participant/s for

them to sign.

Even though the participants had signed the consent form and agreed to participate they always

have an option to withdraw from the research study if they wish, and if they ask for their data

not to be included which has already been collected then this must be destroyed.



Author: Amy Dempsey

32

Data protection issues

1. In order to protect sensitive personal data throughout the research it is recommended that

participants were given identity numbers or codes so they can remain anonymous and

confidential.

2. Names and contact details of the participants will be stored on the researchers own

personalised computers so only they can access them.

3. The data collected, questionnaires, interviews and tapes will be coded so they remain

anonymous and locked away where only the researcher can gain access.

4. All data and publications stored on the researchers computer will be locked and can only

be accessed through their password

5. Other Ethical considerations need to be given to language barriers; it is unethical to exclude

participants whose first language is not English. It will be establish whether non-English

speaking people can take part in the study with them being able to understand the consent

forms and information provided. Minority groups must be equally represented in the

research study i.e. blind and deaf participants. Sensitive Issues is another ethical topic

which may be dealt with, it will be made aware and demonstrated that when participants

recollect/describe bad experiences and discuss sensitive information, then the participants

will be asked would the like to continue the research study, if no then the data collected

may be not used and must be destroyed.



Author: Amy Dempsey

33

3.06 Justified Methods for Research

The research methods chosen for the thesis consisted of a mixture of quantitative and

qualitative. Critical research and analysis was given to peer-reviewed academic journals and

information was obtained through field work studies including a collection of interviews,

questionnaires and surveys, which determine the problems which incur with shadow flicker,

noise and vibration which has been claimed to come from the turbines.

Data was collected to help generate statistical data for objectives i.e., collection of numerous

wind turbines located across Ireland, employment, other renewable energies, effect of wind

turbines and are people aware about the Kyoto Protocol, Irelands signing of a treaty to reduce

its gas emissions in Brussels. The information supplied and then interpreted from these

methods of research, charts will be represented to give the reader an overall look at the data to

support documented evidence in the findings produced.

The Cork Institute of Technology Library will play a vital role in gathering information so an

interpretation and findings can draw conclusions related to this dissertation. The Colleges

online data base has a vast supply of information that is required to write a thesis on the given

topic.

A key qualitative source or research will be from the interviews carried out with a combination

of face to face unstructured interviews. A series of questions will be put forth to the

interviewees in relation to the findings encountered throughout the research stage of the thesis.

A vital role towards quantitative research will be obtaining data and information which will

support the interviews and surveys, where this can be incorporated into the dissertation

objectives when questions are to arise through research and findings.



Author: Amy Dempsey

34

3.07 Conclusion

The above methods for obtaining information to support this document for each chapter have

been chosen because they have been able to reveal supporting evidence towards the topic and

chapters chosen to write this thesis. Such information has come from a survey filled out by a

professional people who are reachable and have a great interest in the subject.

Academic peer reviewed journals have been provided by the college library and the majority of

the authors are outside the country, but access to e-mailing them has been adequate, and they

have responded promptly.

Interviews have been carried out, and the interviewees were Mr Pat Farrell of the Cork County

Council Energy Sector, Mr Leonard Draper of Kilivinane Wind Farm and Dr Martin Keely

whom was a managing director of the Lough Allen Natural Gas Company. The chosen three

candidates were picked for their expertise because they all work within the energy sector. The

information gathered from the interviews will be used to justify and prove the hypothesis theory

in this dissertation.

Another source for information has led to the request for access to records under The

Freedom of Information Act 1997. This is a tedious process to obtain information from the

Government as they charge €15.00 euro for an application for non-personal information and

the information one requires can be delayed as it takes up to 10 days before a response is put

through and they must verify that the person requesting the information is true. Application has

been sent forth, and is still waiting on a response to obtain information the Irish Government

may have on wind farming in Ireland. These studies will lead on to exploring information to

support this thesis and to apply true meaning to this dissertation.



Author: Amy Dempsey

35

Chapter 4. Collection of Evidence

4.0 Background

Recent findings from peer-reviewed journals suggest there is lacking evidence and

documentation supporting the effects on wind farming in Ireland. A letter produced dated the

4th

of July 2013 by the Irish Environment, Community and Local Government, wrote and

called for a review of wind energy guidelines, an update for planning authorities. This meant

that the previous wind energy guidelines published in 2006 needs to be reviewed in relation to

noise, proximity and shadow flicker. The letter is inviting proposals from qualified profession

for desk study of peer reviewed studies, to prove these effects. As stated earlier there is a need

for Ireland to change its consumption of energy means to meet the Kyoto Protocol agreement.

By looking to renewables energies Ireland can reduce its emissions and become an energy

sustainable country. This chapter represents a collection of evidence and participants whom

produced information and knowledge to meet the aim, hypothesis and objectives throughout

this dissertation.

4.01 Introduction

Evidential support towards the subject of ‘The Renewable Energy of Wind Farming in Ireland’

has been conveyed through the research and study methods for the process of the collection of

data. The data which has been obtained has come from sources of peer-reviewed journals,

books, interviews, surveys and documentaries. The Cork Institute of Technology online library

(Cork Institute of Technology, 2004) has been a strong influence in the role of collecting and

interpreting information from research related to the topic. The online data base the college

provides for students whom are attending had a great quantity of information which aided to

write this dissertation. There was a vast amount of information on wind farming, the peer

reviewed journals authors weren’t just from Ireland but ranged from across the world.



Author: Amy Dempsey

36

4.02 Collection of evidence

The questions for the survey were thought and planned out with the information obtained from

peer-reviewed academic journals. The survey was conducted before the interviews. This was

done on purpose because the information received from the survey would help enhance the

questions which were going to be put forth to the interviewees in the future.

Questions for the survey were put into motion while keeping the objectives of this dissertation

still in mind. The survey was created on a website (Survey Monkey, 2005). This web site took

step by step proceedings in how one would create their own survey professionally and then link

it to websites where participants could answer the survey anonymously. A small fee of €20.00

was also paid. Paying this fee helped when collecting results by automatically putting the data

into charts, which would benefit substantially when moving on towards the next chapter of the

analysis of evidence and presentation. The number of participants whom took part were 97 and

two participants skipped the survey and did not reply. The survey was made up of 15

questions. These questions were created on a basis to meet the aim and objectives. The

questions were presented to participants i.e. building contractors, designers, wind farmers,

clients, environmentalists groups, energy suppliers and the environmental protection agency. It

was important to keep a balance between people whom worked in the wind energy sector and

people whom weren’t and were working in the opposition side.

Information from peer-reviewed journals and the 97 participants whom took part in the survey,

gave a foundation building block to create questions which were to be put forward to

participants whom took part in the interviews in which were to be carried out. There was three

participants whom took part in the interviews. They were, Mr Pat Farrell of Enniscarra Cork

County Council Energy sector, Mr Leonard Draper a wind farmer of Kilvinane Wind Farm

near Dunmanway Cork and Dr Martin Keeley a former managing director of The Lough Allen

Natural Gas Company whom had taken part in another interview for a previous dissertation on

hydraulic fracking. The three interviews were unstructured interviews. All three interviewees

were recorded ranging from 20 minutes long to 50 minutes long. The recordings then were

listened back over and Trans scripted down from what each interviewee had said. This was a

tedious process in collecting evidence but information and knowledge was gained to reinforce

NEGATIVES

Air Pollution

Contamination of

water and ground

Vast amounts of

water needed

Loss of ecosystems

Health Impacts

Social Structure

decline

Global Warming

Crime increase



Author: Amy Dempsey

37

the hypothesis of the dissertation. The three candidates were chosen because of their expertise

and knowledge within the energy sector and two out of the three participants were local based

in County Cork.

Questions which were put forth to them were a combination of how a wind farm is developed

and what procedures one must go through i.e. planning, environmental impact statements,

construction and then to the end product when the wind farm is producing electricity.

There was a number of challenges encountered when trying to gather participants for the

interviews. Some participants refused an interview as they were weary of whom would they be

talking to and where their information might end up. Another participant when taking part in

the interview wanted to know too would their information, have any reflection or lead to any

impact towards the company of where they work.

The majority of participants whom took part in the interviews were very obliging when they

read the information sheets and consent. The participants were locally based in Cork, and

travelling to and fro was not a problem when the interviews were to take place. To obtain the

right balance throughout this dissertation, it was extremely important to hear both sides of the

arguments towards wind energy in Ireland, in order to accomplish this, one had to agree when

meeting with a number of participant’s that they were either beneficial towards wind farming or

they were the opposition towards wind farming all depending on whom one was meeting.

4.03 Conclusion

When carrying out these forms of collecting evidence and applying a data analysis, it was

important to continuously keep in mind that the information being collected was meeting the

objectives throughout the dissertation. The survey and the three interviews which were carried

out, has increased the flow of information while trying to prove the theme throughout this

dissertation. It is now in the next chapter (five) that the analysis of data and information can

now be put into place while meeting the objectives from the first chapter.



Author: Amy Dempsey

38

Chapter 5. Analysis of Evidence and Presentation

5.00 Introduction

The following survey was created and opened on the 16th

of July 2014 and closed on the 16th

of

August 2014 with the format aid of (Survey Monkey, 2005). A total figure of 97 participants

took part in the survey. The survey consisted of 15 questions with a combination of answers.

Why this survey was carried out, was to challenge the theory and objectives throughout the

dissertation. The data provided from the survey has been a mixed reaction and a 50/50%

opinion towards a majority of the questions asked.



Author: Amy Dempsey

39

5.01 Survey Results and Analysis

Q1. What is your gender?

Answered: 92 Skipped: 5

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Answer Choices Responses

Female 41.30% 38 Male 58.70% 54

Total 92

TABLE 5.1The number of Males and Females whom took part in the survey

Question one of the survey gives a breakdown of how many male and females took part in the

survey. Out of 92 participants, there was a total of 41.30% = 38 of females took part and

58.70%= 54 were males whom took part. 5 participants skipped this question.

F e m a l e

M a l e



Author: Amy Dempsey

40

Q2. What is your age?


18 to 24

25 to 34

35 to 44

45 to 54

55 to 64

65 to 74

75 or older

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


18 to 24 6.32% 6

25 to 34 25.26% 24 35 to 44 26.32% 25 45 to 54 23.16% 22 55 to 64 12.63% 12 65 to 74 4.21% 4 75 or older 2.11% 2

Total 95

TABLE 5.2 The Age groups of participants who took part in the survey

Question two represents the age of participants whom took part. There was a total of

95 participants whom took part and two skipped. The highest age group whom took

part were between 35 to 44 years of age at 26.32%= 25, then 25 to 34 years were at

25.26% = 24 participants, 45 to 54 years of age at 23.16%= 22 participants, 55 to 64

years of age at 12.63% =12 participants, 65 to 74 years of age at 4.21%= 4 participants

and the lowest age group whom took part were age between 75 and older at 2.11%= 2

participants. It is shown the majority of age group of whom took part was between 35

to 44 years of age.



Author: Amy Dempsey

41

Q3. How would you describe your stance on the renewable energy of

Wind Power?


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Strongly Against 27.66% 26

Against 6.38% 6

Neutral 9.57% 9

Support 30.85% 29

Strongly Support 25.53% 24

Total 94

TABLE 5.3 Participants stance on renewable energy of Wind Power

Question three is a representation of how people would describe their stance on the renewable

energy of wind power. A total of 94 participants took part and 3 skipped. The highest pole

showed 30.85% = 29 of participants support wind energy, strongly against was 27.66% = 26

participants, strongly support was 25.53% = 24 participants, neutral was at 6.38% = 6

participants and the lowest figure showed that 6.38% were against wind power. The marginal

difference between supporting and strongly against was at 3.19%. Support towards wind energy

power is at a higher figure than the rest of the other four choices, therefore the majority of

participants were in favour of wind power.

S t r o n g l y A g a i n s t

A g a i n s t

N e u t r a l

S u p p o r t

S t r o n g l y S u p p o r t



Author: Amy Dempsey

42

Q4. How aware are you of the Irish Government renewable energy targets?


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Very aware 41.05% 39

Aware 28.42% 27

Slight awareness 20.00% 19

Not aware 10.53% 10

Total 95

TABLE 5.4 the number of participants of whom are aware of the Irish Governments Renewable

energy targets.

Question four was to establish how aware people are of the Irish Government energy targets.

A total of 95 participants took part and two skipped. The highest pole figure came in at 41.05%

= 39 participants, this meant that people were very aware of the Governments energy targets.

28.42% = 27 participants were aware, slight awareness came in at 20.00% =19 participants and

finally he lowest percentage of people came in at 10.53%= 10 participants are claiming that they

were not aware of the governments energy targets.

V e r y a w a r e

A w a r e

S l i g h t a w a r e n e s s

N o t a w a r e



Author: Amy Dempsey

43

Q5. Are you aware that the Irish Government signed a treaty (Kyoto Protocol) within

the European Union that it would reduce 20% of its greenhouse gas emissions by

2020?


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Very aware 47.37% 45

Aware 31.58% 30

Slight awareness 11.58% 11

Not aware 9.47% 9

Total 95

TABLE 5.5 the awareness of the Irish Government signing a treaty (Kyoto Protocol)

Question five, 95 participants took part and two skipped. The highest figure was 47.37%= 45

participants were very aware that the Irish Government signed a treaty (Kyoto Protocol) within

the European Union that it would reduce 20% of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. 31.58%

= 30 participants were also too aware of this, 11.58%= 11 participants were slightly aware, and

finally at a low figure of 9.47% = 9 participants were not aware of the treaty the Government

had signed.

V e r y a w a r e

A w a r e

S l i g h t a w a r e n e s s

N o t a w a r e



Author: Amy Dempsey

44

Q6. Do you agree wind farms can reduce Ireland's CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) gas

emissions?


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Don't Agree 35.42% 34

Agree 48.96% 47

Not Sure 15.63% 15

Total 96

TABLE 5.6 Can wind farms reduce Ireland’s CO2 Emissions

In question six 96 participants took part and 1 skipped. 48.96% = 47 participants’ agreed that

wind farms can reduce Ireland's CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) gas emissions, while 35.42% = 34

participants did not agree and 15.63% = 15 participants were not sure. The majority of

participants do agree wind power can reduce Ireland’s CO2 gas emissions.

D o n ' t A g r e e

A g r e e

o t S u r e



Author: Amy Dempsey

45

Q7. Do you think Wind Farms are a safe form of technology for the production of

energy?


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes 52.13% 49

No 34.04% 32

Not sure 13.83% 13

Total 94

TABLE 5.7 the responses of Wind Turbines being a safe form of technology.

In question seven 94 participants took part and three skipped. 52.13% = 49 participants said

yes that wind farms are a safe form of technology for the production of energy, 34.04% = 32

participant said no, wind farms are not a safe form of technology for the production of energy

and 13.83% = 13 participants were not sure. The highest figure states that people do believe

that wind farms are a safe form of technology for energy harvesting.

Y e s

N o

N o t s u r e



Author: Amy Dempsey

46

Q8. Do you think wind farms provide employment?


0 % 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

TABLE 5.8 the responses of, do wind turbines create jobs

In question eight there was 95 participants took part and two skipped. 45.26%= 43

participants don’t agree wind farms provide hundreds of jobs. 37.89%= 36 participants

agreed that wind farms do provide hundreds of jobs and 16.84%= 16 participants were not

sure.


Don't Agree 45.26% 43

Agree 37.89% 36

Not sure 16.84% 16

Total 95

D o n ' t A g r e e

A g r e e

N o t s u r e



Author: Amy Dempsey

47

Q9. Do you think increased use of wind power is or not a realistic way of

combating climate change?


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

TABLE 5.9 Represents is wind power a realistic way or not of combating climate change

In question nine 46.15% = 42 participants believe that the increased use of wind power is not a

realistic way of combating climate change. 42.86%= 39 participants believe it is a realistic way to

increase the use of wind power as this would be a way of combating climate change. 10.99% =

10 participants did not know.


Realistic 42.86% 39

Not Realistic 46.15% 42

Don't know 10.99% 10

Total 91

R e a l i s t i c

N o t R e a l i s t i c

D o n ' t k n o w



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Q10 .Do you think wind power in Ireland is a reliable source of energy

because the wind is always blowing somewhere?


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

TABLE 5.10 is the wind always blowing somewhere in Ireland

There was 93 participants took part in question 10 and 3 participants skipped. A response of

53.76% = 50 participants agreed that wind power in Ireland is a reliable source of energy

because the wind is always blowing somewhere. 36.56%= 34 participants disagreed that wind

power in Ireland is a reliable source of energy because the wind is not always blowing

somewhere, and the third result was 9.68% = 9 participants were not sure.


Agree 53.76% 50

Disagree 36.56% 34

Not sure 9.68% 9

Total 93

A g r e e

D i s a g r e e

N o t s u r e



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Q11. How often would you see a wind Turbine?


Every day

Every week

Every month

Every 6

months

Every year or

over

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Every day 43.75% 42

Every week 31.25% 30

Every month 13.54% 13

Every 6 months 10.42% 10

Every year or over

1.04% 1

Total 96

TABLE 5.11 how often one would see a turbine

In question 11, 96 participants took part and one skipped. The participants were asked how

often they would see wind turbines. The highest score was 43.75% = 42 participants seeing

turbines every day, every week was 31.25%= 30 participants, every month 13.54%=13

participants, every six months 10.42%= 10 participants and every year or over was the lowest at

1.04% = 1 participant.



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50

Q12. How would you rate the following aspects of how wind turbines affect

you?


Very negative Negative Neutral Positive Very Positive

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

s

e r c e y . . .

e

m p o s

m p o n e c o g y

Visual appearance

of turbines

Shadow Flicker

created by turbines

Noise created by

the turbines

Impact on birds

Impact on ecology

Impact on health

Impact on house

prices

Impact on energy

prices

Economic impact

Impact on local

environment

Impact on local

people



Author: Amy Dempsey

51

TABLE 5.12 How the following aspects would affect the participants

Question 12 represents a combination of short questions of how the following aspects of

wind turbines affect the participants.

Visual appearance of turbines, 96 participants took part and highest score was 31.25% = 30

participants said they were neutral on this.

Shadow flicker, 95 participants took part and the highest score was 45.26% = 43

respondents believing to be neutral on this question and the second highest score was

35.79%= 34 participants believe shadow flicker from turbines to have a very negative affect.

Noise created by turbines had a response of 95 participants and the highest score was

41.05% =39 participants said they had a neutral effect towards them. 36.84% = 35

participants believe that noise from turbines has a very negative effect towards them.

Very negative

Negative Neutral Positive Very Positive

Total Respondents

I. Visual appearance of Turbine

28.13%

27

16.67%

16

31.25%

30

14.58%

14

10.42%

10

96

II. Shadow flicker created by Turbine

35.79%

34

14.74%

14

45.26%

43

4.21%

4

0.00%

0

95

III. Noise created by Turbine

36.84%

35

16.84%

16

41.05%

39

5.26%

5

1.05%

1

95

IV. Impact on Birds

32.29%

31

22.92%

22

36.46%

35

5.21%

5

3.13%

3

96 V. Impact on

ecology 29.17%

28

16.67%

16

33.33%

32

14.58%

14

7.29%

7

96 VI. Impact on

health 33.33%

32

9.38%

9

36.46%

35

13.54%

13

8.33%

8

96 VII. Impact on

house prices 40.00%

38

24.21%

23

21.05%

20

11.58%

11

4.21%

4

95 VIII. Impact on

energy prices

32.29%

31

7.29%

7

12.50%

12

31.25%

30

17.71%

17

96

IX. Economic Impact

29.47%

28

4.21%

4

24.21%

23

25.26%

24

16.84%

16

95 X. Impact on

local environment

38.95%

37

14.74%

14

15.79%

15

23.16%

22

7.37%

7

95

XI. Impact on local people

39.36%

37

13.83%

13

24.47%

23

14.89%

14

7.45%

7

94



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52

The impact on birds, 96 candidates responded and the highest score was neutral at 36.46%

= 35 and the second highest score was wind turbines had a very negative effect towards

birds at a score of 32.29% = 31 participants.

Do wind turbines have an impact on ecology? 96 candidates took part, and the highest

score was 33.33% = 32 saying that it was neutral. The second highest score was it had very

negative impact at 29.17%=28 participants said.

Would turbines have an impact on health? 96 took part and the highest score was neutral

at 36.46%= 35 participants. The second highest score was at 33.33%= 32 participants said it

would have a very negative impact on health.

Would the turbines have an impact on house prices? 95 participants took part. The

highest score was at 40.00%= 38 participants believe turbine would affect house prices. The

second highest score was 24.21%= 23 participants said it would have a negative impact on

house prices.

Will wind farming have an impact on energy prices? 96 took part and the highest score was

32.29%= 31 participants claiming it would have a negative impact towards energy prices.

The second highest score was at 31.25%= 30 participants said it would have a positive

impact towards energy prices.

Could wind farming have an impact on economics? 95 participants took part. The highest

score was 29.47% = 28 participants said it would have a very negative impact, the second

highest score was at 25.26% = 24 participants said it would have a positive impact on the

economy.

Would wind farming have an impact on the local environment? 95 participants took part

and the highest score was at 38.95% = 37 participants said it would have a very negative

impact. The second highest score was 23.16% =22 participants said it would have a positive

impact.

The impact of wind farms towards the local people? 94 participants took part. The highest

score was 39.36% = 37 participants said it will have a very negative impact on locals. The

second highest score was 24.47% = 23 participant were neutral on this.



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53

Q13. If a wind farm was located near to the proximity of where you lived, how

would it affect your opinion towards this type of energy production?


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Location would have no impact on my opinion of wind farms 44.21% 42

Support wind energy but not in close proximity of where I live 25.26% 24

Total negative towards wind power despite the location 30.53% 29

Total 95

TABLE 5.13 Living with wind farms in close proximity

Question 13, 95 participants took part and two skipped. The highest score was 44.21% = 43

participants said location would have no impact on my opinion of wind farms if a wind farm

was located near to the proximity of where they lived. 30.53% = 29 participants differ from this

saying they are total negative towards wind power despite the location. While 25.26% = 24

participants believe in supporting wind energy but not in close proximity of where they live.

L o c a t i o n w o u l d

h a v e n o

i m p a . . .

S u p p o r t w i n d

e n e r g y b u t

n . . .

T o t a l n e g a t i v e

t o w a r d s w i n d . . .



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Q14 .There are two main locations for wind turbines; offshore (in the sea) and onshore

(on land). Which do you think is the best location for channelling wind energy?



Offshore 71.76% 61

Onshore 15.29% 13

Not sure 12.94% 11

Total 85

TABLE 5.14 Two main locations of where wind turbines are situated

Question 14, 85 participants took part and 12 skipped. The participants were asked what

choice of wind power method of location would they think would be best suited for channelling

this energy? The highest score was 71.76%= 61 participants said offshore wind farming,

onshore wind farming scored 15.29% = 13 participants said and 12.94%=11 were unsure of

offshore or onshore.

O f f s h o r e

O n s h o r e

N o t s u r e

0 % 1 0 % 2 0 % 3 0 % 4 0 % 5 0 % 6 0 % 7 0 % 8 0 % 9 0 % 1 0 0 %



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Q15. Which is your preferred method of renewable energy production? (Starting from

your first choice)


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total Average Ranking

Wind energy

26.60%

25

22.34%

21

5.32%

5

7.45%

7

5.32%

5

14.89%

14

18.09%

17

94

4.40 Solar energy

29.47%

28

25.26%

24

17.89%

17

7.37%

7

7.37%

7

9.47%

9

3.16%

3

95

5.21 Tidal energy

8.51%

8

25.53%

24

32.98%

31

13.83%

13

12.77%

12

4.26%

4

2.13%

2

94

4.82 Wave energy

10.53%

10

12.63%

12

13.68%

13

36.84%

35

15.79%

15

7.37%

7

3.16%

3

95

4.31 Geo-thermal

3.16%

3

4.21%

4

17.89%

17

23.16%

22

38.95%

37

12.63%

12

0.00%

0

95

3.72 Biomass 15.79%

15

5.26%

5

9.47%

9

7.37%

7

15.79%

15

41.05%

39

5.26%

5

95

3.54 Nuclear power

6.38%

6

5.32%

5

3.19%

3

4.26%

4

4.26%

4

10.64%

10

65.96%

62

94

2.10

TABLE 5.15 .Which renewable energies do participants favour

Question 15, a total of 95 participants took part and 2 skipped. The participants were asked to

place in order their preferred choice of renewable energy. The highest ranking was solar energy

at 5.21, tidal energy at 4.82, wind energy at 4.40, wave energy at 4.31, and geo-thermal at 3.72,

and biomass at 3.54 and nuclear at 2.10. The results show participants favour solar energy out

of the six renewable energies.

W i n d e n e r g y

S o l a r e n e r g y

T i d a l e n e r g y

W a v e e n e r g y

G e o - t h e r m a l

B i o m a s s

N u c l e a r p o w e r



Author: Amy Dempsey

56

5.02 Interview Analysis

Introduction

The following interviews were carried out on the three professional’s whom are working in an

environment to do with the Energy Sector’s, Wind Farming Sector Mr Leonard Draper and

Fossil Fuel Energy Sector Dr Martin Keeley and the Cork County Council Energy Department

Mr Pat Farrell. Two of the interviews were carried out face to face in County Cork, while the

third interview was carried out using the technology form of via Skype to England. It has

already been mentioned in chapter four while carrying out these interviews and asking

questions to the professionals, it was important to make sure the objectives throughout the

dissertation were being met when analysis was given to the three interviews.

The interviews were unstructured and the questions were asked randomly as the participants

talked. There was a feeling that the interviewees felt more at ease with this method as one

interview lasted over 50 minutes. These questions were compiled from information obtained

through peer-reviewed academic journals and the survey which was carried out. These

questions were asked to meet the objectives through the dissertation and to obtain a constant

flow of information to prove the hypothesis.

The questions presented to the participants were as follows:

1. What are the first steps when developing a wind farm?

2. How long does it take to build a wind farm?

3. What are the costs of building a wind farm?

4. What is a wind turbine made of?

5. How large are modern wind turbines?

6. What is the lifespan of a wind turbine?

7. Why do some turbines have two and others have three blades?

8. Do you agree Ireland has an abundance of wind to support this renewable energy?

9. How much electricity can one turbine generate?

10. Can wind energy deliver enough electricity to Ireland?



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11. Is wind power good for the economy and can it increase employment rates?

12. What are the benefits to a landowner?

13. How does a wind farm benefit the local community?

14. Are wind farms compatible with wild life?

15. Are wind turbines noisy?

16. Do they create shadow flicker?

17. Do wind farms affect property values?

18. How long has wind been used as a source of energy in Ireland?

19. Will wind power eventually replace conventional fossil fuel power?

20. Can wind energy reduce CO2 emissions?

5.03 Information obtained from interviews while meeting the objectives

Objective 1

To produce a theoretical understanding of wind energy and the installation process concerned

with Wind Turbines/Farms in Ireland.

According to (Draper, 2014) wind power has been a source in Ireland since the late 90’s. He

believes the first wind farm was set up in Ireland in 1998. When interviewees were asked about

the first steps of planning a wind farm both (Draper, 2014) and (Farrell, 2014) agreed that you

must first assess the site, making sure you are not in a nature reserve and that you have the

correct wind speeds. Poor ground conditions will determine a wind farm (Farrell, 2014) also

suggested. (Draper, 2014) The average foundation depth for a wind turbine depending on the

ground condition will range from 2 to 3 metres. The turbine is made up of a steel tower

structure, the blades are made of fibreglass and the cell or box which sits at the top of the tower

is also made of fibreglass and this contains the generator and gearbox.



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(Farrell, 2014) Kerry County Council have a rule of thumb when installing wind turbines within

a close proximity of each other and neighbouring house’s, they must be at least 1 kilometre

apart he claims. (Draper, 2014) House location was only 160 metres away from a turbine. This

rule does not seemed to be applied in County Cork.

(Draper, 2014) Planning permission is a big part of designing a wind farm. Between applying

for planning permission, producing the correct Environment Impact Statements by assessing

the site, the process of planning permission being granted and then construction phase of the

turbines. (Farrell, 2014) when carry out this large scale of construction works and getting the

turbines from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’ the developer will also have to apply for the transportation

planning application, because of the turbines physicality the transportation of the turbines can

be an issue when transporting through small towns. (Draper, 2014) Claims it has taken him six

to ten years to develop and build the wind farm and it was gaining the planning permission

which was the most time consuming. The average lifespan of a turbine is 25 but (Draper, 2014)

believes a turbine can keep working indefinitely provided it is being updated with the latest

technology.



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Objective 2

To assess the current position of the source of energy in Ireland.

It is agreed by (Draper, 2014) and (Farrell, 2014) that Ireland is in a great position to source

out wind energy. Location is a major factor for wind turbines because you have to connect or

feed the electricity back to your main grid connection. Eirgrid are trying to build out grid

networks towards Limerick, Galway and West Cork, but the infrastructure is not there to feed

or channel this reliable source claims (Farrell, 2014).

Objective 3

To investigate the role of wind in electricity and for the commercial market.

Turbines are generally between 2 and 3 megawatt each, an average household use’s 600

kilowatt in the year, a four and a half megawatt wind farm will produce enough electricity for

3000 house a year, given that there is a continuous amount of wind (Draper, 2014) claims.

Wind power has helped bring down the price of electricity because it is being produced at a set

for the next 15 years because it’s a 15 year contract. So it’s not a tagged to oil or gas it set at one

price. Traditionally here in Ireland the Irish Government knows what the price of wind

electricity will be for the next 15 years. He also claims wind power will not replace all

conventional fossil fuel power in Ireland and that there will still be a need for a fuel mix. Gas

will always be in that mix or if you were to look at other European countries like France or the

UK it will be nuclear. (Farrell, 2014) Claims that the problem with wind power is it is

unpredictable because it can drop anytime of the day, so they are trying to find ways to keep

electricity flowing.



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Objective 4

To examine the negative and positive aspects of wind farming in Ireland.

(Farrell, 2014) Believes a positive aspect when applying to An Bord Pleanala for planning

permission for a wind farm, is it gives people a chance to object if they want. (Draper, 2014)

Disagrees and argues a major problem with developing wind farms in Ireland is the planning

process. This can be held up for years costing the developer money. If the planning is objected

it goes through three stages. The local Council, An Bord Pleanala and then to the High Court.

Any person can challenge the developer within given reason as stated in the Environmental Act

Section 3. This cost’s the developer a great amount of money and the challenger has only a

small court fee to pay. If the developer loses they then have to pay the courts and other cost’s

which incur throughout the case i.e. workers and professionals.

(Farrell, 2014) Says that Ireland must take into account its tourism industry and be careful

when placing the turbines in certain locations. A thought would want to go into being careful

not to destroy Ireland’s skyline. (Keeley, 2013) Agrees and suggests too that wind turbines are

quiet ghastly to look at and will ruin the landscape and consideration must be applied when

dealing with Ireland’s tourism industry.

(Draper, 2014) In America and Australia there is no confirmation that wind farms have

devalued property. If you take a person who builds a house near a factory because its closer to

where they work and their only view is looking across at the factory, yet they do not see this as

devaluing their house. Whereas you have somebody putting up a wind turbine and there is a

new structure in the landscape ‘Oh that might devalue my house’. If they were living alongside

a factory they wouldn’t see the factory devaluing their house. (Farrell, 2014) Agrees but also

keeps in mind the theory of NIMBY saying (Not in my backyard).

(Draper, 2014) Shadow flicker is a major part in planning application, neighbours and people

object, because it frightens their animals and effects human health. There are now wind

turbines designed or programmed to shut down if the sun is facing them and this stops shadow

flicker. When the sun has passed the turbines reboot up. This has been proven to stop shadow

flicker by 100%. As a farmer himself, he claims that wind turbines do not affect his livestock

and there is an equestrian centre next door and this does not affect the horses. Turbines do not

affect animals. (Keeley, 2013) Disagrees with this and claims the turbines are known to have



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61

serious affects towards animals especially in the agricultural industry. Cows have been known

not to be able to produce milk because of the turbines. (Farrell, 2014) Suggests shadow flicker

does seem to be a big problem.

(Farrell, 2014) Another issue with turbines is the hum or buzzing sound noise. Recently a

family from County Roscommon expressed their feelings towards how wind turbines affect

them especially the noise of them. (Keeley, 2013) Also claims the wind turbines are noisy.

(Draper, 2014) Argues sitting 160m away from his house claims he can’t hear the turbines, and

if you were 160m away from a main road you would hear lots of noise or if you were living near

a town or village you would hear lots of noise.

The effects of local wildlife habitat and Eco systems are not effected by wind farms. A tillage

farmer himself whom grows wheat, barley and reap seed, the turbines do not frighten away the

birds, such as crows, pigeons and many other small birds which fly about. If anything they feed

underneath the turbines, the birds would be more inclined to be hit by a car or bus (Draper,

2014) argues. (Farrell, 2014) Questions to the effects the turbines are believed to have on bats

birds and snails and believes that maybe that if a wind turbine farm is properly planned then it

should have no effect on the animals and Eco systems.

Another positive aspect (Draper, 2014) suggests is wind power is good for the economy and

can increase employment rates, there is a lot of wind farming companies in Ireland and people

just tend to see the wind turbines themselves and do not see what goes on behind the scenes. A

lot of companies employ in the development of wind farms, especially into the planning

process, environmental statements and ecology reports, there is so much going on that it

requires the expertise to be drawn upon. Different surveys for bats, birds etc. comes to be

compiled. After this process there is then the maintenance of the turbines which is a 24/7 job

365 days of the year. Two people are required for every 15 turbines fulltime employment.

(Farrell, 2014) Agrees and claims wind farming can bring employment and money to the

economy. (Keeley, 2013) Argues and claims the wind turbines are high maintenance and up

keeping. They are more of a hindrance of cost.



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62

Both (Draper, 2014) and (Farrell, 2014) agree local towns and communities can benefit from

wind farms, as the developer may have to upgrade or contribute to roads, resurfacing, widening

roads, corners being removed, new pathways. The local road network can be improved. It can

bring revenue wise, high commercial rates and global Council benefit.

Landowners can also benefit from having wind turbines on their land and this is from rent fees.

The developer will pay the landowner between a range of €8,000 to €15,000 a year all

depending on the size of the wind turbine and how many are on the land (Draper, 2014).

A non – beneficial aspect to wind turbines is the expensive operation when decommissioning

them (Keeley, 2013). (Draper, 2014) Disagrees and claims the turbines can be taken down

within two to three days with a crane. The wind turbines have also a second hand value and this

can overcompensate costs for taking down the turbines.

(Keeley, 2013) Does not think wind farming is economical. It is not a clean source of energy.

The turbines release CO2 emissions, but believes these emissions to be at a low rate and wind

power to be a cleaner source of energy. Meanwhile (Draper, 2014) claims that wind power is

reducing CO2 emissions and Ireland will reach the target date.

(Farrell, 2014) A final aspect on a non-beneficial towards wind power is the grid connections.

They are a huge costly factor to be considered and it is ESB whom control the networks.

(Draper, 2014) Also agrees with this claiming grid connection costs are another major cost

factor and grid connections are increasing in price rather than decreasing

Objective 5

To understand the availability of wind as a renewable energy source in Ireland.

People can learn to adapt with the wind turbines especially in the rural areas maybe. A key

source would be if people were to be more educated towards wind power they might then just

see and have a different outlook towards this renewable source of energy (Farrell, 2014).

(Draper, 2014) Agrees and feels there is so much bad press around at the moment that there is

a need to establish the fact rather than the fiction and clarify more. There seems to be a lot of

people not educated enough on wind turbines. Hearing wind turbine noise and destroying the

natural organisms in the earth i.e. certain species of snails is taboo! No turbines have effect on

these matters. We should be exploring this energy and taking it to another level. Another



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63

concept (Farrell, 2014) believes is, wind farms are being turned down planning across Ireland

because of the protection against animals such as bird’s i.e. eagles and snails. He also strongly

suggests that peoples attitude towards wind energy is they think it’s free, it’s green and they

don’t mind about wind energy as long as it’s NIMBY (Not in My Backyard!). Wind farms tend

to be in more located in the west of Ireland because of the planning conditions and in remote

areas. You wouldn’t see them in Dublin (Farrell, 2014) argues.

Ireland has an abundance of wind to support this energy. Ireland is on the western fringes of

Europe, and if you look at any wind atlas map, Ireland has one of the highest wind speeds

(Draper, 2014). Energy is a commodity now and people can trade more. Especially in energy

sources in renewables (Farrell, 2014).



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64

5.04 Conclusion

There was 97 participants took part in the survey and 2 skipped the results were very

interesting. A majority of participants were aware of the Kyoto Protocol agreement Ireland had

signed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The data from the survey was surprising to find

that 46.15% of the participants found that wind energy was not a realistic way in combating

climate change and 42.86% said it was a realistic way of combating climate change. In question

12 particular, the majority of participants agreed that wind turbines have a negative impact

towards shadow flicker, noise, landscape, the environment, local habitat’s, house prices and

visual appearance. The survey presented a very mixed opinion towards the questions with some

results leading to a 3% to 4% difference in the findings.

The interviews which were carried out, each participant whom took part in the interviews

shared knowledge and their understanding of each question which was asked. Some questions

lead to answering other questions. (Draper, 2014) (Farrell, 2014) and (Keeley, 2013) all agreed

that wind farming can reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. Planning permission for the

wind farms is an issue in Ireland at present. It is a very tedious process, time consuming and

costly to the developer both (Draper, 2014) and (Farrell, 2014) agreed on this. Shadow flicker

is part of wind farming but can be controlled (Draper, 2014). The noise which wind turbines

give off is of a low frequency. For when the interview was carried out in Mr Draper’s office

160m away from wind turbines, no noise off the wind turbines could be heard. It is one’s own

opinion of how the wind turbines effect the landscape. Some people think they look nice

against the landscape as long as they are not in their backyard, while others think they effect the

landscape and skyline (Keeley, 2013). (Farrell, 2014) Believes that when wind farms are

developed careful consideration should be applied when choosing locations, so this does not

affect the landscape and Irelands tourism industry.



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65

Chapter 6. Conclusion and Recommendation

6.00 Introduction

In this last chapter, the dissertation has come to end resulting in the conclusions and

recommendations from the information produced from peer-reviewed academic journals,

survey and three interviews. The dissertation will now come to a close explaining the

conclusions and recommendations

6.01 Conclusion

The arguments and issues which have been put forth throughout this dissertation have been

very educating. Some have led to disagreeing with the issues raised while other issues have led

to information supporting the issues to be correct.

Why is Ireland turning to this renewable source, because Ireland signed a treaty to reduce its

emissions. There is so much wind blowing around the island of Ireland from east to west and

the Irish Government needs to take advantage of this and become independent with its own

energy source. It’s meeting the E.U targets and has kept its promise in reducing its CO2

emissions.

There will always be a mixture of renewable energy and fossil fuel source in Ireland. Though

Ireland’s imports on fossil fuel will eventually decrease their costs if they decide to explore the

renewable energy market side further and not just in the wind farming market.

The planning and installation of the wind turbines have given a real insight towards the issues of

the planning application process faces, which leads to the hold up of constructing a wind farm

and there is also the professional fees one has to pay to carry out surveys making sure

regulations are being complied with. Grid connection costs are an issue as it is very expensive

for the developer.



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66

Spacing of the wind turbines is still an issue and from the information found, Ireland should

keep in mind the Danish rule of thumb.

The infrastructure around rural parts of Ireland is lacking and the Government needs to

address this if they want to explore this renewable energy further throughout the country.

Shadow flicker, will always be a part of wind farming, but with the aid of technology there are

programmes being designed to reduce this. The noise off wind turbines is not an issue gathered

from the evidence collected. These two combinations play a part towards wind farming and are

more of an annoyance if anything. There is no evidence to suggest that human health issues

are linked to the wind turbines.

The locations and skylines in which the wind turbines sit, is a mixed feeling towards how the

Irish people feel. Some people think they are lovely to look at and it’s a clean energy concept,

makes Ireland stand out to other European countries by thinking ‘Green’, while others don’t

mind where they are located as long as they are not in close proximity of where they live

(NIMBY).The last group of people just think they are plain old ugly to look at and they should

be torn down.

The effects on animals, local habitat and Eco-systems again is a mixed opinion. It is believed

that if the right regulations are complied with and correct tests are followed through, and there

is no effects given, then wind farming is a very good renewable energy source for Ireland. One

of the three interviews was conducted near a wind farm which held lives-stock around the

surrounding area and the issues of wind turbines having an effect towards the animals suggest

they do not, nor to humans.



Author: Amy Dempsey

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6.04 Recommendation’s

It is clear that the renewable energy of wind power in Ireland has been a slow process to grow

in the last 16 years and the only reason the Irish Government has turned to this source of

energy is because it is a cleaner source of energy and they can save money from importing

fuels. The Irish Government signed a treaty in Brussels that it would reduce its emissions and it

seems they want to follow by example to other European countries that they can achieve these

targets that have been set.

1. Wind energy is a good source of energy to harvest but it must be taken into account

about setting the right regulations in place and making sure these practices are carried

out correctly and safely. Grid connections have to be revalued and only having one

electricity supplier in Ireland is a monopoly.

2. The Irish Government needs to put in motion of educating its people about wind

energy if it is serious about making this renewable energy a major game player in the

supply of electricity to the Irish people and towards the European export market if they

choose to go this route too.

Bird flying near

wind turbines,

has no effect on

birds.



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68

3. A problem with wind power is it is unpredictable, weather forecast can only predict

wind weather within 24 hours, and if wind drop it can have an effect on the production

of electricity. If new forms of technology were to be met then maybe predictions could

be more accurate in the weather stations.

4. The Shadow Flicker of turbines can be dealt with and the turbines need to be up

graded so they can programme themselves to switch off if they are in direct sunlight

which cause’s shadow flicker, and then reboot themselves when the sun has passed out

of the way.

5. The noise of a turbine unfortunately cannot be silenced and this is a concern. It is not

loud but more of an annoyance.

6. The locations of the turbines is a consideration the Irish Government should take into

consideration. Ireland relies on its tourism industry and spreading the turbines out

across the country may destroy certain parts of Ireland, so careful planning towards

locations must be met with if the numbers of turbines were to grow in Ireland.



Author: Amy Dempsey

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Investigation of their economic viability, s.l.: s.n.



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Appendices

1. Survey Questions

2. Consent forms

3. Tran scripted Open Interviews of participants

Interviewees

A. Mr Leonard Draper

B. Mr Pat Farrell

C. Dr Martin Keeley



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1. Survey Questions


I' am a Master's student at Cork Institute of Technology studying Construction Project Management. A key part

of my course is my Dissertation and this is where I require your assistance. This questionnaire will be used to

produce and generate data to permit what the position of Ireland's interpretation on Wind Energy power. I would

be very grateful if you could take a few minutes of your time to complete the following questionnaire. All

information provided is anonymous and will only be used as part of this dissertation project.

Thank you,

Amy Dempsey

For more information email: [email protected]

1. What is your gender?

Female

Male

mailto:[email protected]



Author: Amy Dempsey

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2. What is your age?

18 to 24

25 to 34

35 to 44

45 to 54

55 to 64

65 to 74

75 or older

3. How would you describe your stance on the renewable energy of Wind Power?

Strongly Against

Against

Neutral

Support

Strongly Support

4. How aware are you of the Irish Government renewable energy targets?

Very aware

Aware

Slight awareness

Not aware

5. Are you aware that the Irish Government signed a treaty (Kyoto Protocol) within the European Union

that it would reduce 20% of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2020?

Very aware

Aware

Slight awareness

Not aware

6. Do you agree wind farms can reduce Ireland's CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) gas emissions?

Don't Agree

Agree

Not Sure



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7. Do you think Wind Farms are a safe form of technology for the production of energy?

Yes

No

Not sure

8. Do you think wind farms provide hundreds of jobs?

Do you think wind farms provide hundreds of jobs? Don't Agree

Agree

Not sure

9. Do you think increased use of wind power is or not a realistic way of combating climate change?

Realistic

Not Realistic

Don't know

10. Do you think wind power in Ireland is a reliable source of energy because the wind is always blowing

somewhere?

Agree

Disagree

Not sure

11. How often would you see a wind Turbine?

Every day

Every week

Every month

Every 6 months

Every year or over



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12. How would you rate the following aspects of how wind turbines affect you?

Very negative Negative Neutral Positive Very Positive

Visual appearance of

Turbine

Shadow

flicker created

by Turbine

Noise created

by Turbine

Impact on

Birds

Impact on ecology

Impact on health

Impact on

house prices

Impact on

energy prices

Economic Impact

Impact on local

environment

Impact on

local people

13. If a wind farm was located near to the proximity of where you lived, how would it affect your opinion

towards this type of energy production?

Location would have no impact on my opinion of wind farms

Support wind energy but not in close proximity of where I live

Total negative towards wind power despite the location

14. There are two main locations for wind turbines; offshore (in the sea) and onshore (on land). Which do

you think is the best location for channelling wind energy?

Offshore

Onshore

Not sure



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15. Which is your preferred method of renewable energy production? (Starting from your first choice)

Wind energy

Solar energy

Tidal energy

Wave energy

Geo-thermal

Biomass

Nuclear power

Done

Powered by Survey Monkey

Check out our sample surveys and create your own now!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/

https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/survey-templates/



Author: Amy Dempsey

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2. Consent Form’s from interviews whom participated.



Author: Amy Dempsey

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3. Tran scripted Open Interviews of participants

Interview 1

Leonard Draper of Kilivinane Wind Farm: Recorded Interview 13/08/2014 Time: 14:00pm

interview terminated at 14:34pm. Approved of Wind Farming in Ireland.

1. First steps when developing a wind farm? Assess site, do you have the right wind

speeds, make sure you are not in a nature reserve area and planning permission would

be a big factor.

2. How long does it take to develop and build a wind farm? Took Leonard six years from

the initial start. Time frame now has gone from six to ten years.

3. What are the costs of building a wind farm? Planning is a huge cost, because of all the

environmental impact studies one has to carry out. Grid connection costs are another

major cost factor. Grid connections are increasing in price rather than decreasing.

4. Wind turbines are made up of? A combination of steel tower structure, blades are

fibreglass and the cell or box that sits on top of the tower is also made of fibreglass and

there you have the generator and gearbox.

5. What depth of Foundations required? The depth of foundations required, again

depending on ground conditions, 2-3meters normal.

6. What is the Life’s span of a turbine? 25 years but will last longer, can keep going

indefinitely with updating of technology.

7. What is the difference between two to three turbines? The very early turbines when

they were first going through testing they used two but from the last 15 years they have

been using three.

8. Do you agree Ireland has the abundance of wind to support this energy? Yes it has, we

are on the western fringes of Europe and if you look at any wind atlas map Ireland has

one of the highest wind speeds.



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9. How much electricity could one turbine generate? Turbine sixes are generally between

2 and 3 megawatt each, an average household use’s 600kilowatt in the year, a 4 and half

megawatt wind farm will produce enough electricity for 3000 houses a year. Given that

there is a continuous amount of wind.

10. Is wind power good for the economy and can it increase employment rates. Yes there is

a lot of companies, people just tend to see the wind turbines themselves and do not see

what goes on behind the scenes, a lot of companies employ in the development of wind

farms, especially in the planning process, you have the environmental impact

statements, the ecology, so much going on that that it requires the expertise to be drawn

upon, different surveys for bats, birds etc. comes to be compiled. Afterwards then you

have the maintenance of the turbines is a 24/7 job 365 days a year. You would have two

people employed for every 15 turbines fulltime.

11. Can landowners benefit from having the turbines on their land? Yes they can, the rent

fees the developer will pay the landowner can range from €8,000 to €15,000 a year all

depending on the size of the turbine and how many.

12. How can a wind farm benefit a local community? Revue wise, high commercial rates,

and global council benefit? If there is a wind farm being built in a local area, normally

the developer will improve the roads, from widening, resurfacing, corners being

removed, road network can be improved. It has helped to bring down the price of

electricity because it is being produced a set price for the next 15 years because it’s a 15

year contract. So it’s not tagged to oil or gas its set at one price. Traditionally here in

Ireland the Irish Government knows what the price of wind electricity will be for the

next 15 years.

13. Will reduce CO2 emissions to reach the target date.

14. Will wind power replace conventional fossil fuel power? Possibly could, can replace,

still need a fuel mix and gas will always be in that mix or if you were in other European

countries like France or UK it will be nuclear.

15. How long has wind energy been a source in Ireland? Started out in the late 90’s, 1998

was the first wind farm which went up.

16. Can wind farms effect the price of a property? In America and Australia, there is no

confirmation that wind farms have devalued property, it opinion rather than fact!

Example you take a person who builds a house near a factory because its closer to

where they work and there only view is looking across at the factory yet they don’t see



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that as devaluing there house, whereas you have somebody put up a wind turbine and

there is a new structure on the landscape “Oh that might devalue my house”…..if they

were living alongside the factory they wouldn’t see the factory devaluing their house. It’s

very much a personal opinion.

17. Do you believe the turbines create shadow flicker? Yes they do its part of it.

18. Are they nosey? We were sitting 160m away from a turbine (I didn’t hear them) If you

were sitting 160m from a main road you would hear lots of noise or if you were living

near a town or village you would hear lots of noise.

19. Do you believe it effects the Eco systems and wildlife habitat? Absolutely not, he is a

tillage farmer and grows wheat, barley and reap seed, and the turbines do not frighten

away the birds such as crows and pigeons if anything they feed underneath the turbines.

Would be more inclined to be hit by a car or bus. Feel free to come out and take

photographs. there were a number of small birds and other species flying about.

20. Is there decommissioning costs at the end of their cycle, is it costly. Turbines can be

taken down within 2-3 days with a crane, but they have a second-hand value and this

can overcompensate costs for taking down a turbine.

21. He thinks there is so much bad press around at the moment that we need to establish

the fact rather than fiction and clarify more, there seems to be a lot of people not

educated enough on wind turbines. Mr Draper has inclined that hearing wind turbine

noise and destroying the natural organisms in the earth i.e. a certain species of snail is

taboo! In his opinion no turbines have an effect to these matters. Sleep disorders not

true because of low frequency noise so you can’t hear them it is below the level of

which a human ear can hear.

22. His house is 160m away from the turbine, and he invites anyone out to stay in his house

for a night to see if they can hear them. Do away with the nonsense.

23. Shadow flicker is a major part in a planning application, neighbour and people object,

because it frightens our animals and human health. Mr Draper is a farmer himself and

it does not affect his livestock and there is an equestrian centre next door and this does

not affect the horses. He states that turbines do not effect animals. There are no side

effects.



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24. There are wind turbines now designed or programmed to shut down if the sun is facing

them to stop shadow flicker, and when the sun has passed the turbines reboot up. This

has been proven to stop shadow flicker by a 100%

25. A major problem with developing wind farms in Ireland is the planning process. This

can be held up for years costing the developer money. If the planning is objected it

goes through three stages. The local county council, An Board Plaina and then to the

High Court. Any person can challenge the developer within given reason as stated in

the Environmental Act Section 3. The challenger towards the developer is known as the

leylithicant. This costs the developer a great amount of money and the claimant only

has to pay a small fee. If the developer loses they have to pay the courts and whatever

other costs which incur throughout the case i.e. workers and professionals.



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Interview 2

Pat Farrell of the Cork County Council Energy Department in Enniscarra: Recorded Interview

21/08/2014 Time: 10:00am interview terminated at 10:53am, Approved of Wind Farming in

Ireland.

1. National Energy Action Plan (NEAP)

2. An Board Pleanala, Planning is a huge part towards wind farms, and this is good

because it gives people a chance to object if they want and agrees this is good.

3. Wind Turbines, there is a process Cork County Council have to do a redevelopment

plan every 5 years for energy

4. Excluded places seem the bet locations for the turbines.

5. Kerry County Council has a rule of only to plan or build turbines within a kilometre

away from houses, anything lower than hi the planning is turned down.

6. Development control would always include EIS

7. Connection agreement is another high cost when building wind turbines. ESB control

the networks.

8. Problem with wind power is its unpredictable, weather forecasts can only predict wind

weather within in 24 hours, and if wind drops it can have an effect on the production of

electricity.

9. Wind Power is unpredictable because it can drop any time of the day, so they are trying

to find was to keep electricity flowing.

10. Another downside to wind farming is the construction, objections to it, you think that its

free, it’s green, attitudes are I don’t mind about wind energy. NIMBY concept, NOT

IN MY BACKYARD! He presumes wind farms are more located in the west of

Ireland because of the planning conditions they seem to be in more remote areas. You

wouldn’t see them in Dublin.

11. Agrees wind farms are being turned down because of the protection against animals

such as birds i.e. eagles, snails etc.

12. Location is a factor for wind turbines because you have to connect or feed the electricity

back to your main grid connection. Eirgrid are trying to build out grid networks towards



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Limerick, Galway West Cork, but the infrastructure is not there to feed or channel this

renewable source.

13. Issues with the turbines is there is a hum or a buzzing noise, recently a family from

Roscommon expressed their feelings towards how the wind turbines affect them

especially the noise of them.

14. People can learn to adapt with the turbines especially in the rural areas maybe. A key

source is maybe if people were more educated towards wind power they might then

have a different outlook towards this source of renewable energy. NIMBY!

15. Agrees Shadow flicker seems to be a big problem. But wind farming can bring

employment and money to the economy. Local gain. Important aspect. Construction

itself of the turbines and issue is poor ground conditions when installing them. Because

of their physicality transportation the turbines can be an issue especially through small

towns, transportation planning application needs also to be put forth when carrying out

these works. This is under The Transportation Act.

16. Towns can benefit from this as the developer will have to upgrade or contribute towards

the roads and paths.

17. Effects turbine have are towards, bats, birds snails agriculture, is it really true. Maybe if

it is properly planned they should have no effect.

18. Agrees that there is a big debate on whether they are economic. Are they worth the pay-

packet?

19. Would want to be careful where turbines are placed, it could rune Irish tourism.

Would want to be careful not to destroy Ireland’s skyline. Other European countries

have adapted well with wind turbine locations, such a Holland. Nuclear energy seems to

be coined in Ireland as a dirty words, yet France and England use nuclear energy.

Nuclear energy can be more flexible than wind power, if the wind drops it take a least

15minutes to get a turbine up and running again and these seem to be cost’s issues, with

nuclear you can adjust very quickly if power issues are low.

20. Problem with nuclear energy though, is when things go wrong it can have disastrous

effects as we have seen around the world. People don’t want to take the chance with

nuclear energy in Ireland. Though in saying that peoples energy on the east of Ireland

may very well come from England’s nuclear plant and they don’t know the difference.



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21. The midlands wind farm which was meant to go ahead by Energia, they were going to

harvest the wind energy from Ireland and send it straight back across to England.

Ireland would have been exporting its energy to another country. Ireland was not going

to use this energy at all.

22. Energy is a commodity now and people can trade more. Especially in Renewables.

23. Agrees the structure of wind turbines are becoming bigger, ranging from 120m and they

will probably become even bigger.

24. Agrees wind energy is a good source of energy.



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Interviewee 3

Interview three was carried out over via Skype on the 19th

of April 2013 at 15:00pm and

terminated at 15:22pm. The interviewee was Dr Martin Keeley, a former Managing Director of

the Lough Allen Natural Gas Company (Langco).

Dr Keeley provided information regarding wind turbines, and disapproved of wind farming.

1. The turbines were high maintenance and up keeping, and regarded them to be an

expensive operation when decommissioning them.

2. They are noisy, and the turbines are known to have serious effects towards animals

especially in the agricultural industry. Cows have been known, to not be able to

produce milk because of the turbines.

3. The propellers are very big on the turbines are (Keeley, 2013)(“…..they are quiet ghastly

to look at”………) Will ruin the landscape and must take into consideration Ireland’s

tourism industry.

4. Ireland should look into other sources of energy such as Hydraulic Fracking, the

method of deep underground pressure method of cracking rock to release natural gas’s.

5. Does not think wind farming is economical. Wind farming is not a clean source of

energy and the turbines release CO2 emissions, but does believe these emissions are

low, but it is not a clean energy but a cleaner source of energy.



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4. Pictures Note: All pictures of the pictures were taken by Amy Dempsey, location was at Kilivinane

Wind Farm.



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Documents

The Renewable Energy of Wind Farming in Ireland