Generator Vex

Ciaran Byrne 10SEPT21

he very first thing that strikes you about the demon generators keeping Burnaby Lawns awake every night is that there’s no rattle.

Just an ever-encroaching, ever-present wall of hum.

That constant, relenting, rumble-in-your-tummy, here-come-the-warm-jets kind of hum. That acts as a how-low-can-you-go, deep-throated Chinese torture – only this little bed bug is distinctly Irish when it comes to the paperwork surrounding it.

Since August 26th contractors CPAC have been building the temporary cabins for Greystones Community College, to be used until the, eh, more permanent temporary buildings can be constructed next door.

The next step being, of course, the building of the truly permanent Greystones Community College building down in sunny Charlesland.

So far, so Irish. Only trouble is, for almost a month now, CPAC’s generators have been rumbling away eight days a week, 25 hours a day. And it’s been driving the residents of Burnaby Lawns ever-so-slightly crazy.

Crazy enough to get in touch with Wicklow County Council. And with The Department of Education. And CPAC. And any TD or councillor who’ll listen.

All have said they’re dealing with the situation, and in a few cases, you can actually believe them, but meeting up with local Ciaran Byrne this evening, it’s clear that the residents’ concerted calls for some peace and quiet at night have fallen on deaf ears.

Not that CPAC haven’t been trying. Two super-silent generators have been installed, sound-baffling boxes have been constructed and anti-vibration rubber matting has been nailed to the floor. And still the remaining not-so-super, not-so-silent generator’s hum drums on. And on.

And on.

Despite not having had a decent night’s sleep in 22 days, Ciaran was happy to fill us in on the din…