Claims of 'detrimental impact' as up to 300 people sign objection to Longford wind farm

Almost 300 people have signed a community objection with 'even stronger support' this time against a massive windfarm after Bord na Móna reapplied for planning permission.

The company sought permission from State's planning watchdog for planning approval in May for the Derryadd Wind Farm project, which includes 22 turbines.

Read more: 'They are pillars of local identity,' says senator over Longford's preservation

The community objection was lodged early last week in relation to the proposed development, several years after the the ‘No to Derryadd Windfarm’ group played its part in successfully opposing plans from Bord na Móna to develop a windfarm.

The ‘No to Derryadd Windfarm’ group addressed a three-day oral hearing which was held in Longford town in mid-2019 and outlined their opposition and concerns.

PRO Niall Dennigan said the community are even more determined now and people feel "upset and rejected" as a result of a further attempt by Bord na Móna to obtain planning approval.

The group claim it will have a 'detrimental impact' on wildlife, biodiversity and peatland drainage and Mr Dennigan said their concerns are all included in the community submission with an update expected in November.

"Everything we have highlighted is truthful.

"Everything that we have highlighted can all be backed up with evidence that we have gathered throughout all the years, be-it it disturbance to habitats, be-it disturbance to wildlife, be-it works that are taking place that are unauthorised.

"We have all the evidence there and we have requested An Bord Pleanála to hold an oral hearing so that we can provide all this evidence for all to see on the day."

Mr Dennigan stated an oral hearing was held during the last planning application bid in 2019 and he believes it will give them a "great opportunity to portray picture and video evidence" on the site.

The company has said the Derryadd Wind Farm will consist of an expected installed capacity of 132MW and an overall tip height of 190 metres, while 25km of internal road network, approximately 18km of which is intended for amenity use.

The current 2025 proposed development would consist of turbines being located across 34 townlands including Aghamore, Annaghabeg, Ballynakill, Corlea, Derryad, Derryart, Mosstown and Rappareehill.

In January 2019, Bord na Móna Powergen Ltd previously submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) for the proposed Derryadd Wind Farm in the area.

However, in June of 2021 the High Court overturned An Bord Pleanala's 2020 decision to grant planning permission for the 96-MW windfarm.

The height of that proposed windfarm’s 24 turbines would have been the joint tallest structures in Ireland, with a tip height of 185 metres.

Mr Dennigan said over 100 people attended a public meeting June 4 last after Bord na Móna reapplied for planning permission.

"It was a very successful event that we held there and people came and signed up for it and people, from even further afield, that would have ties to Lanesboro were very keen to have their name added to it for the protection of Lanesboro.

"The protection of these bogs and for us to enhance them was what was being portrayed initially through tourism.

The 2025 planning application is considered strategic infrastructure and for that reason and the scale of the project it will be considered directly by An Bord Pleanála.

Mr Dennigan said because of a "shortness of time" they only had about a month to put everything together but the response from local communities and the wider region has been very positive.

"We were only able to have the one community meeting but the one thing that really shocked us was the amount of even stronger support from the community this time around.

"It was purely down to Bord na Móna were told no the last time by the community and the community are feeling very upset and rejected that the boards didn't take that advice that this wasn't wanted in the area and now they are coming back again and people have had enough now.

"We have been down this road and they said no and the community are being completely disregarded again.

"It's shown by Bord na Móna that reapplying again that community wishes are not being adhered to."

A Bord na Móna Powergen Limited spokesman commented on the planning application and proposed development at their landbank across the Derryadd, Derryaroge and Lough Bannow bogs.

Read more: Longford's No to Derryadd Wind Farm Group do not want a wind farm in their area

As part of this application, BnM has conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment and developed an Environmental Impact Assessment Report for consideration by An Bord Pleanála.

If approved, the Derryadd Wind Farm will deliver local and national benefits, including a dedicated Community Benefit Fund providing financial support to community and non-profit groups, near neighbours and local students, as well as providing 132MW of onshore wind once the wind farm is operational – contributing towards Ireland achieving its renewable energy target of 80% by 2030.