November 28, 2012
Ireland

Connemara residents protest wind farm developments

By Conor Harrington | Galway Independent | 28 November 2012 | galwayindependent.com

Connemara residents have raised concerns at the development of wind farms close to homes in the region.

Around 30 people staged a protest against further wind farm development outside County Buildings on Monday, when they were supported by national organisation Communities for Responsible Engagement with Wind Energy (CREWE).

Speaking at the protest, local resident Mary-Ann Ní Chadhain said she was concerned at the proposed development of 13 wind turbines just 650 metres from her family home in Lettermuckoo.

Ms Ní Chadhain said that noise pollution, sleep deprivation and the de-valuing of houses are just some of the concern residents have in relation to wind farms, as well as Connemara’s disproportionate shouldering of the State’s wind energy initiatives.

“Our homes are very important and we’re tying to protect the legacy that we’re leaving our children as well. Connemara’s going to be cut up for very little monetary gain to the locality,” she said.

Following the protest, council officials agreed to prepare a brief on the wind farm issue for councillors, a number of whom raised concerns regarding the minimum guideline distance for erecting wind turbines, which stands at 500 metres.

Director of Services Kevin Kelly agreed to provide Councillors with a briefing document on wind farms in January as part of a review of the County Development Plan.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/11/28/connemara-residents-protest-wind-farm-developments/