Large-scale energy infrastructure projects and thoroughbred stud farms: equine welfare, evidence gaps and planning...

Industrial-scale renewable energy developments i.e. solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and wind energy facilities, form a central component of Ireland's national decarbonisation strategy. As these infrastructures expand, they are increasingly being proposed or developed within rural regions that also contain high densities of Thoroughbred breeding establishments. This creates a potential interface between national energy policy, rural land use, equine welfare and the operational requirements of the Thoroughbred industry which is of national and international importance.Direct empirical evidence examining the effects of large-scale renewable energy developments on Thoroughbred mares, foals and youngstock on adjacent stud farms remains limited. However, established evidence from equine sensory physiology, behavioural science, veterinary medicine and environmental studies demonstrates that horses are highly responsive to noise, visual stimuli, airborne particulates and sudden environmental disturbance. These findings provide biologically plausible pathways through which construction and, in some circumstances, operation of large-scale energy infrastructure may adversely affect equine behaviour, health and welfare.Current Irish planning legislation does not specifically require equine welfare considerations to be incorporated into decision-making for developments adjacent to breeding establishments. This commentary argues that the absence of direct equine-specific evidence should not be interpreted as evidence of absence of risk. Rather, it supports a proportionate and precautionary approach incorporating equine-specific assessment, independent veterinary input, appropriate mitigation and site-specific planning where major renewable energy infrastructure is proposed in close proximity to stud farms.