Longford ‘is not the place’ for massive wind farm development

Several county councillors expressed strong views opposing Bord na Móna’s reapplication for planning permission for the Derryadd Wind Farm project, which includes 22 turbines with one local representative describing it as a "land grab off the people".

The issue was debated at the July meeting of the local authority as the submission of Chief Executive’s report, in accordance with Section 37E (4) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in relation to the Bord na Móna planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála was on the agenda.

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Chief Executive Paddy Mahon's report, which was sent out to local representatives, contained a stipulation for Bord na Móna to put a bond in place to take the wind turbines down in the event of the company going bust in the future.

It also included a condition that the local authority hire an engineer of their own to ensure they fulfill the conditions of planning such as carrying out relevant environmental studies.

Mr Mahon’s report also contained a stipulation that Bord na Móna provide a community benefit and that all of the An Coimisiún Pleanála conditions are fully met.

A community objection was lodged two weeks ago with nearly 300 signatures in relation to the proposed development, several years after the ‘No to Derryadd Windfarm’ group successfully opposed plans from Bord na Móna to develop a wind farm in the area.

The group claim it will have a 'detrimental impact' on wildlife, biodiversity and peatland drainage within the townlands of Aghamore, Annaghbeg, Ards, Ballynakill, Barnacor, Cloonbearla, Cloontabeg, Derraghan Beg/More, Derryad, Derrynaskea, Grillagh, Kilmakinlan, Kilnacarrow, Lyneen, Mosstown, Mount Davys, Rappareehill, at Lanesboro, Co Longford, and within the townland of Ballypheasan, Co Roscommon.

Independent Councillor Mark Casey, who was one of those who commented and included objections in the report, was highly critical of Bord na Móna.

"How many times can the local people stand up to multi-nationals who spend the taxpayers' money to fight them?

"It's up to the councillors now, and the council to stand up and say, sorry, this is against our County Development Plan, we're not having it, because it's not good enough," he added.

Cllr Casey said people are at the end of their tether in the area but the company are "coming back again, two or three years later" after local people thought they were successful a few years ago.

"It's Bord na Móna taking a land grab off the people, and it shouldn't be acceptable," he added.

Cllr Sean Mimnagh said he believes they should be really sticking with the County Development Plan that was in place.

"I am disappointed that Bord na Móna came back (seeking planning) after this went through a judicial review. We all know the best place for wind turbines is out at sea. We have the best corridor in Europe for wind turbines.

"We have a lot of red-listed species out in that bog there. A lot of the community is affected by it and it doesn't align with my vision for tourism for the area."

Newtowncashel-based Cllr Martin Skelly said he presumed they all had to believe that wind energy and solar energy is the way forward.

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However, the Fine Gael representative insisted "out on the flatlands of our small county in county Longford is not the place" for those developments.

"At this moment in time, because Bòrd na Mona and ESB have withdrawn as an employer and are flooding the bogs, it's starting problems for the agricultural people of county Longford," he added.

Cllr Paul Ross said some residents were essentially going to be living in "the centre of a wind farm" after this development, which he said was unacceptable.