Support Dunnstown BESS Judicial Review

An Bord Pleanála has overturned Kildare County Council’s decision to refuse permission for the largest battery energy storage system (212MW) in Europe beside the village of Two Mile House. It will be adjacent to Harristown Commons, an area rich in biodiversity and a community amenity. Worldwide, over the past four years, at least 30 large-scale battery energy storage sites (BESS) have experienced failures that resulted in destructive fires. There are risks to human health and safety and the environment.

https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/recent-california-energy-storage-battery-fire-draws-renewed-attention-storage-safety-issues

The above link highlights our concerns.

The only way to stop this is by Judicial Review. Our legal fees so far are just under €20,000.

Why are we asking for support?

The Chief Fire Officer cited fire safety concerns and recommended refusal.

The developer has no experience with this technology.

There is a high risk of fire.

There is no water supply for firefighting.

There is limited access.

The facility is remotely monitored.

The fire is likely to take days to go out and toxic gases will be emitted.

There could be a requirement to stay indoors for up to 7km.

The land adjacent will be zoned industrial.

This area could become a Strategic Energy Zone.

There will be no way to stop other energy infrastructure being built – substations, power stations, gas, green hydrogen, biomass and additional battery storage.

There is no regulator responsible for the safety of battery energy storage in Ireland.

There is no requirement to assess the environmental impact of battery energy storage in Ireland.

The link below contains information on the Victorian Big Battery Fire.

https://hackaday.com/2021/08/12/teslas-megapack-battery-burned-for-days-in-grid-storage-fire/

All funds raised will go towards the costs of the Judicial Review being taken by Two Mile House Says No.