Connacht Tribune reports that firefighters who attended the lithium-ion battery fire at Claregalway early last year have still not been able to return to work due to ongoing health issues arising from their exposure at the scene.

A local representative stated: “The fact they had protective gear on them and were only in there for a short time proves how toxic these things are”.

This is a documented consequence of a lithium-ion battery fire within our county.

Last month, An Coimisiún Pleanála issued a Further Information request on Lumcloon Energy’s appeal for a proposed lithium-ion BESS facility in our area, including significant concerns relating to fire safety. Galway County Council rejected this facility outright in 2024.

It is important to note that the Claregalway facility was modest in scale compared to what Lumcloon Energy is now appealing. This case demonstrates the very real health and safety implications associated with lithium-ion battery fires, and the substantial risks such a development would present to local residents, emergency services, and the surrounding environment.

Full story: https://www.connachttribune.ie/news/claregalway-battery-fire-fall-out-still-goes-on-5612745