November 3, 2010
Ireland

Opposition mounting in Dysart to wind farm plans

Roscommon Herald, www.roscommonherald.ie 2 November 2010

Concerned residents in the Dysart area are set to make a collective submission to Roscommon County Council totally opposing a proposed wind farm a few miles from the village.

Following a meeting held last night (Monday) it is understood that homeowners will make individual submissions to the local authority as well as a collective submission, which will be made in the coming days.

Monday’s meeting was organised by the Wind Turbine Action Group, South Roscommon who feel that the people of South Roscommon are being “railroaded” into having some of the largest wind turbines in the world next door to their homes, farms and livelihoods. Chairman of the group, Fearghal McHugh told the Roscommon Herald that there was a lack of information available to the public.

“One of the biggest concerns voiced by the community was the fact that there had been a dearth of information about the development and the impact of the development on the local community,” he said.

Mr McHugh added that he had moved to the countryside for a quiet life and not to live in the shadow of a plethora of large machinery.

“I agree with green energy, but I do not agree with monstrous wind turbines a couple of fields away from homes.”

The 80m development has been earmarked for the townlands of Turrock, Cronin, Mullaghardagh, Gortaphuill, Tullyneeny and Glenrevagh, within a few miles of the village of Dysart. Plans for 16 wind turbines were lodged with Roscommon County Council last month by Cavan-based company Galetech Energy Developments. The company said that 60 jobs would be created in the construction phase and when completed would generate power for over 21,000 homes.

It is understood that the company will pay landowners in the region of €15,000 per annum in rent per turbine, but the committee is asking people not to think only of the financial gain.

Angela Madden, PRO of the committee said: “This is not about attacking our neighbours who have agreed to allow these wind turbines on their land. We understand that they may have personal reasons and circumstances at the current time for making this decision.

The company has said that this proposed development would be the biggest in Ireland and yet we have been left completely in the dark as to the long-term implications for this and for future generations.

There is too much at stake here, people need to be informed of all the facts. People here are concerned that it will drive the next generation out if it goes ahead, as planning permission for houses will be impossible.”

Fianna Fail’s Cllr Kilduff said that he broadly welcomed the project, subject to planning.

“This development means jobs for the area and we all have to look at welcoming initiatives such as this. Wind energy is the way forward, but the development is still subject to planning,” he said.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/11/03/opposition-mounting-in-dysart-to-wind-farm-plans/