January 30, 2013
Northern Ireland

Academics to address wind farm symposium

Mid-Ulster Mail | 30 January 2013 | www.midulstermail.co.uk

A major symposium headed up by leading academics on the subject of wind farms and their potential for adverse impacts on health, the environment and human rights, is to be hosted this weekend by the campaign group, West Tyrone Against Wind Turbines.

The event has been organised with the aim of providing information about “the real story behind the wind energy industry and its impact on local communities”, according to a spokesperson for the group.

The spokesman continued: “The choice of venue was made as it lies within the area likely to be affected by proposed development of wind farm projects between Slieveard and Mountfield nearby.

“It should also be pointed out that much of West Tyrone is subject to such potential development. Lisnaharney, Garvahey, Bessie Bell, Lack, Greencastle, Killeter,Pomeroy, Carrickmore, Fivemiletown, Gortin, Drumquin and Strabane are just some of the many areas under threat of new wind farms, or from massive expansion of those existing.”

Internationally recognised academics will speak on various aspects of the subject, including Dr Dan Kane, Peter Sweetman, Peter Crossan, Professor Alun Evans, and Dr Caroline Linsey.

In addition, first hand experiences will be related by local people affected by existing wind farms.

Representatives from groups from all over Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom will be in attendance, as will Val Martin, a recognised environmental activist.

A particular highlight of the symposium will be a special preview of the Nigel Spence film, “Fair Wind Or Foul?” which is due for release in March.

All local councillors, MLAs and MPs have also been invited to attend the event, which will be held at the Village Inn, Killyclogher, this Saturday, February 2, at 1.30pm.

Meanwhile, a related lecture, The Need For Sleep by Christopher Hanning, Consultant in Sleep Disorder Medicine at the University Hospital of Leicester, takes place in the Peter Froggart Centre, Queen’s University Belfast on Tuesday, February 12th at 7.30pm.

Further information about the wind farm symposium is obtainable on www.windwatch.co.uk

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/01/30/academics-to-address-wind-farm-symposium/