Objections to a west coast wind farm are a “form of self-sabotage madness”, Ciara Kelly has said.
The Sceirde Rocks Windfarm project would have seen 30 turbines erected off the coast of counties Galway and Clare but has not been given the go ahead.
The turbines would have powered an estimated 350,000 homes and saved 550,000 tonnes of carbon every year.
While Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was “sorry” to hear the news, the plan encountered significant opposition nationally.
Independent TD Catherine Connolly said she had received “numerous representations from a diverse range of people” with concerns, while comedian Tommy Tiernan said the plans would mean the “desecration of that area of natural beauty."
On Newstalk Breakfast, presenter Ciara Kelly said her head “practically exploded” while reading objections to the plan.
“I’m like a cat looking at a washing machine when I see wind farms,” she said.
“I get that soothing [feeling], I think they’re beautiful; I like the look of those turbines, I think it’s like watching waves when they go around - you know when waves go in and out, you feel at peace.
“So, I like the look of them; I have no problem looking at them.
“But it’s not just that; we have to keep the lights on, we have to keep the grid going.
“We’re not allowed to have nuclear, we’re not allowed to frack, we’re not allowed to store LNG, we’re not allowed to burn oil, coal or wood.
“And now we’re against wind farms. How does Ireland keep the lights on? This is a form of self-sabotage madness.”
Wind turbines in County Wexford. Picture by: Photocall Ireland.Ciara added that by not developing Ireland’s offshore wind industry, the country is missing out on a huge economic opportunity.
“I’ve heard various people say that we could be the Saudi Arabia of wind - also, Scotland, more or less,” she said.
“We have these big windy coastlines; this is just like taking a gun and pointing it straight down at our foot and just pulling the trigger.”
A windfarm at Carnsore Point in County Wexford. Picture by: RollingNews.ie.Co-presenter Shane Coleman said he “couldn’t agree with you more”.
“We’re always talking about the need to be greener,” he said.
“One of those objecting is TD Catherine Connolly, she’s called for an oral hearing - that’ll delay it longer.
“I think we need to get on and do this stuff; I think offshore is the best place.
“I’ll be honest, I wouldn’t like to have my house beside a wind turbine, I think there are issues and concerns about that.
“I think offshore is the perfect place for them - I love the look of them as well.”
The Government has set a target of cutting carbon emission 51% by 2030.
Main image: Ciara Kelly in the Newstalk studio. Image: Newstalk
