Jockey Ruby Walsh opposes wind farms near studs

Jockey Ruby Walsh has said proposals to erect wind turbines close to stud farms would be "extremely dangerous" for horses.

Adding his voice to a campaign by the Irish thoroughbred industry warning of perceived risks posed by proposed wind farms in the midlands, the national hunt jockey said he was “certain that it would be dangerous to ride thoroughbreds within sight or earshot of a rotating wind turbine.

“I am not opposed to progress and understand the need for renewable energy; however the thoroughbred industry is a huge source of rural employment in Ireland,” Walsh said. “The moving shadows on sunny days created by wind turbines is a massive problem for horses. The riding or even grazing of horses in such areas is simply not possible and extremely dangerous.”

Mainstream Renewable Power and Element Power are in the process of developing large-scale wind energy projects in Kildare, Laois, Meath, Offaly and Westmeath.

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has begun public consultation on a renewable energy export policy and development framework. As part of its submission to that consultation process, the thoroughbred industry has called for turbines to be kept at a safe distance from stud farms.

Joe Osborne, managing director of Kildangan Stud, said their concerns were the safety of thoroughbred horses and those working with them and the protection of "a critical industry cluster which attracts foreign investment and supports rural jobs". He said the industry was worth nearly €1.1 billion to the Irish economy in 2012 and directly employed 14,000 full time equivalents and many more in ancillary services.

“We want to ensure . . . that renewable energy sources are pursued that do not place this established rural industry under threat,” Mr Osborne said.

A spokesman for Element Power said the concerns raised were “a complete non-issue”. “Wind turbines don’t impact on horses and moreover Element Power doesn’t have any option agreement signed nor does it propose locating and turbines on lands adjoining stud farms in Kildare,” he said.

Mainstream Renewable Power said it was aiming to submit a planning application in 2015 and over the course of the next two years was “fully committed to meeting all residents, businesses and local organisations”.