HORSE owners are being urged to contact Westmeath County Council by next Tuesday to help protect equine premises from wind farm developments.

Last year the Westmeath authorities categorised equine premises as ‘noise sensitive receptors’, similar to residential dwellings. This means that wind turbines cannot be erected within a set distance of any property where horses are based.

However, the Minister for the Environment Simon Coveney recently wrote to Westmeath County Council seeking the deletion of the equine protective measure. Submissions to the council must be lodged by next Tuesday.

The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association has lodged an objection and has notified its Westmeath members about the development and on how to make their own submission. More details and a draft submission can be found on The Irish Field website.

Wendy O’Leary of Lynn Lodge Stud in Killucan, Co Westmeath, said: “If we make our voices heard now the County Manager will tell the Minister that this is something the county feels strongly about. In France there are certain areas which are given special protection from industrial development but we have nothing here. What happens in Westmeath will have repercussions for other counties and the ITBA is setting up a sub-committee to deal with challenges presented by renewable energy projects.”