Rural communities ‘deserve transparency’ on energy storage developments

Senator raises concerns about proposed battery energy storage system in Newmarket, Co Cork

If a leak occurs energy storage batteries contain liquid electrolyte, which can react with moisture to form hydrofluoric acid. File image.

Rural Ireland is not a dumping ground for projects that would never be tolerated in urban areas — that is what Sinn Féin senator Nicole Ryan told the upper house when she raised concerns about a proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) in Newmarket, Co Cork.

“Communities deserve proper transparency, consultation, and independent safety assessments before developments of this scale are considered,” she said.