Senator seeks mandatory EIAs for battery energy storage

A Bill proposing the requirement of an Environmental Impact Statement for Battery Energy Storage Systems has been introduced in the Seanad by Senator Vincent P Martin, writes Brian Byrne. The initiative is on the back of a proposal for a BESS at Dunnstown near Carnalway, which has been strongly opposed by local residents and equine interests. 

Introducing his Planning and Development (Stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems) Bill 2024, Senator Martin noted that such EIAs are not required under current planning legislation, yet some of the BESS schemes being proposed in Ireland are amongst the largest in the world. "An EIA is required for a piggery, but not for a BESS," he said. "Initiatives which reduce carbon emissions are clearly important, but it is vital that they are done in a way which assures as much public confidence, transparent accountability and community buy-in as possible." 

The senator said that ensuring EIAs are made mandatory for such projects should be "a basic and much-needed requirement."

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