The planning application for the Knockshanvo wind farm has now been submitted.  This application represents the most significant concern for Sunyata of the 2 proposed wind farms, and we have a critical window of just over 2 weeks (deadline is 5pm, October 31st) to put together an effective opposition to this development. The proposed wind farm would see 9 large structures 1.5 times the height of the Spire in Dublin, generating noise and visual disturbance in the immediate vicinity of Sunyata. The site boundary being less than 100 metres away and the nearest turbine just over 800 metres. The planning application has failed to acknowledge Sunyata’s importance to the Buddhist community and those interested in meditation and has instead misclassified our spiritual centre as a tourist attraction unlikely to be impacted by the development.  As you know, Sunyata is more than just a tourist attraction and serves as a vital resource for spiritual development and that is what we need our supporters and all those who have visited Sunyata to articulate 

Actions you can take 

1. Lodge an Objection: Submit a formal objection to the planning authorities, detailing why Sunyata is important to you personally. Your voice is essential in helping to convey the unique and irreplaceable nature of this space. (Please see details on how to do this below) You can also share your personal submission with us [email protected]

2. Contact Your Local Representatives: Reach out to your local councillor, TD, or representative to share why Sunyata is a rare and vital resource. 

3. “Help with Raising Awareness: We are actively working on various ways to inform the wider community about our concerns regarding the proposed wind farm development. We are exploring outreach methods such as social media campaigns, posters, community events, and informational materials. Any support you can offer—especially sharing our message through your own networks—would be greatly appreciated.”

What we need to show is that Sunyata is an important resource for our community and that it is too much to sacrifice to further the aims of this wind farm. Your support could make all the difference in ensuring that Sunyata remains the peaceful and spiritual sanctuary it has been for so many years.

With gratitude for your continued care and love for Sunyata,
The Board, Sunyata Buddhist Centre

How to Object:

You can object to FuturEnergy’s Knockshanvo Wind Farm development by submitting your observation to An Bord Pleanála or writing a testimony about what Sunyata means to you, which we can attach to Sunyata’s observation.

● Deadline for submitting an objection: October 31, 2024, by 5:30 pm.

● You can object either online (recommended) or by post.

Grounds for Objection:

Base your observation or testimony on personal experiences at Sunyata. Discuss how the noise and visual disturbances of the wind farm would affect the community and its ability to provide a serene environment. You could also note that the planning application failed to account for Sunyata as a spiritual centre in sections on population health and community and instead incorrectly suggested it was  a tourist attraction.. The nearest turbine is planned to be 891 metres away, with the boundary just 90 metres from Sunyata.

Planning documents from FuturEnergy can be viewed here: FuturEnergy planning application

Submitting Your Objection:

Online Submission (Recommended):

1. Read the guidelines for making an observation on a Strategic Infrastructure Development here.

2. Download and fill out the Observation Form. If you prefer, you can write your own document, but ensure it includes:

○ An Bord Pleanála case number: ABP-320705-24

○ Name or description of proposed development:Nine wind turbines, 110kV substation, and ancillary development.

○ Location: Various townlands in County Clare and County Limerick, including Knockshanvo and Snaty where Sunyata is located. 

3. In section 5, write your concerns.

4. Save the document (Word or PDF) with the case number and your name.

5. Submit it online through the An Bord Pleanála site and pay the €50 fee.

6. Confirm your submission was successful.

By Post:

1. Include your written observation, the case details, and payment (cheque, bank draft, or postal order).

2. Post to:
The Secretary,
An Bord Pleanála,
64 Marlborough Street,
Dublin 1,
D01 V902.
Make sure An Bord Pleanála receives your submission before October 31, 2024, 5:30 pm.

For more detailed instructions, see this guide.

Questions or Support: Email [email protected] for assistance.

Impact of Knockshanvo Windfarm on Sunyata Unaccounted for in their Planning Application 

Sunyata is the only Theravadan Buddhist residential retreat centre in Ireland and one of only a few Buddhist centres in the country. Sunyata provides a unique, peaceful environment for meditation and mindfulness, where silence and tranquility are essential. However, the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) for the proposed Knockshanvo Wind Farm has misclassified Sunyata as a tourist attraction, failing to recognize its critical role in spiritual and mental well-being.

Why This Matters

● Legal Oversight: Sunyata should be considered under population and human health and cultural heritage protections, similar to Christian churches and holy wells included in the EIAR. The Planning and Development Act 2000 requires that the impact on spiritual and cultural sites be fully assessed, yet Sunyata was wrongfully excluded from this consideration.

● Noise and Visual Disruption: Turbines up to 185m highcould emit significant noise, which would disrupt the silent environment essential for Sunyata’s meditation retreats. The EIAR fails to properly account for Sunyata’s reliance on peace and quiet, which is crucial for its operations.

● Religious Discrimination: By focusing on Christian religious sites while neglecting Sunyata, the planning process risks indirect religious discrimination under the Equal Status Acts 2000-2018. Sunyata deserves the same legal protection as other religious institutions.

● Failure to Consult: The Aarhus Convention mandates public participation in environmental decisions. However, the planning process did not engage substantively with Sunyata

● Biodiversity and Hydrology Concerns: The surrounding natural environment is integral to Sunyata’s mindfulness practices. Construction and turbine operation could disrupt local wildlife and water sources, impacting the centre’s operations and the well-being of its visitors.

Why Sunyata Deserves Protection

● Sunyata is the only centre of its kind in Ireland, offering a crucial space for spiritual growth and mental well-being.

● The centre is a vital part of the cultural and spiritual fabric of the Buddhist community, similar to the role Christian sites play in Irish heritage.

● Failing to recognize Sunyata’s significance is not only a procedural oversight but also illegal, as basic research would have revealed its unique standing in Ireland’s religious landscape.