'If there's a fire, have we the capabilities to put it out,' concerns over battery plant in Rathoe
Development granted planning after appeal to An Bord Pleanála fails
"If there's a fire in the morning, have we got the capabilities to put it out," asked Cllr John McDonald as he raised residents' concerns over the battery plant in Rathoe.
The controversial lithium-ion battery storage plant in Carlow has been granted planning permission despite an appeal by local residents to An Bord Pleanála.
Earlier this year, Rathtoe residents appealed Carlow County Council's decision to grant planning for the lithium-ion battery storage plant over a number of safety concerns for the area.
However, ABP has decided to uphold the local authority's initial decision.
Speaking at this month's meeting of Carlow County Council, Cllr John McDonald said there are "grave concerns in the area".
"The big concern is if there's a fire in the morning, have we got the capabilities to put it out," Cllr McDonald added and he also asked what were the next steps residents could take.
Residents had objected to the project citing a risk of fire and the toxic gases that could spew from the batteries.
But ABP recently approved conditional planning permission for Engie Development Ireland's proposal.
The planning inspector concluded that "the proposed development will not endanger public health and safety in a manner to require refusal of planning permission".
Cllr John Pender said he shared residents' concerns and the planning went through the Council and ABP and "it's a legal route from now on".
Cllr Will Paton said residents would have to demonstrate that ABP didn't follow the rules properly.
"Unfortunately, it's a done deal," he added while Cllr Charlie Murphy said residents could seek a judicial review but this would be costly.
The facility will consist of construction and operation of up to 34 metal containers to store up to a project total of up to 100MW (13.2 tons of Lithium lon) sealed battery cells each with entrances, fire supression systems, heating ventilation and air conditioning systems at Kellistown East.
The Council granted 10 year planning permission for the development near Rathtoe on January 30.
Speaking at the time, local resident William Rooney, who opposed the plant, said: "We are very disappointed with Carlow County Council's decision and cannot understand how they can grant planning permission with so many risks and unknowns.
"This development brings nothing to Carlow except risk."