November 6, 2010
Northern Ireland

Families fight wind farm proposals

UTV news, www.u.tv 5 November 2010

Families living near the Co Antrim village of Loughguile have said they’ll fight proposals to build more wind farms in their area.

The residents claim the huge turbines will destroy a scenic glen and are calling on the energy company behind them to think again.

The surrounding hills already have 21 large wind turbines, but Renewable Energy Systems (RES) is looking to add at least another nine.

While the company may be riding the wave of investment that’s backing green energy projects, not everyone wants to see these huge wind farms on their local hillside.

The residents have rejected suggestions that they’re guilty of a “not in my backyard” attitude.

“It doesn’t matter what tag you give it – you’re putting too many turbines in one area,” Tony Flavin told UTV.

“It’s time the people realised if you don’t say something you’ll get swamped by turbines.”

Teresa McBride added: “We’re absolutely devastated. The whole area’s going to be ruined – the scenery, the view.

“It (the area) means everything to us. This is where I was born.”

Another local man, Eamon McBride said: “This glen is probably one of the most scenic parts of Northern Ireland and this is like an invading army.

“That’s how I would describe it – these turbines are like an invading army.”

RES acknowledges that some people are opposed to the turbines, but the company told UTV the wind farm project will benefit the community and the local area.

The protesters remain unconvinced and have said they’ll do all they can to oppose the scheme.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/11/06/families-fight-wind-farm-proposals/