Concern over plans for Battery Energy Storage System in County Roscommon

A planning application for the development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Tawlaght & Srabragan, Lough Allen, County Roscommon has been lodged with Roscommon County Council.

Fears have been voiced by local people after Arigna LDES Limited applied to develop the BESS, designed to provide system support services to the electricity grid at the site of the former Arigna ESB Power Station.

The proposal consists of the installation of 56 battery containers and medium voltage power stations (MVPS). A site notice was erected on December 17th, 2023. 

Accompanying the application is a newspaper notice from the Irish Daily Star dated December 12th, 2023.

A number of residents have voiced their concerns about the proposed development in relation to health and safety, noise, fire and toxic smells. They also fear that it will affect the wildlife in the area known as a haven for trout and eel and will ruin what is regarded locally as a wildlife habitat.

Meanwhile local TD Frank Feighan said that he had received communications from locals who had expressed their concern and fears regarding such a development. "I advise people with concerns to document them with the local authority while the time for submissions is open. I will continue to monitor the situation and take the opportunity to raise the matter with Minister Ryan in due course,” said Deputy Feighan.