July 10, 2014
Ireland

Wind turbine battle heading to High Court

Leinster Express | 08 July 2014 | www.leinsterexpress.ie

In a final bid to stop 18 wind turbines being built by Coillte at Cullenagh Mountain, locals are trying to raise €50,000 to appeal to the High Court.

In one day people gave €15,000, according to Henry Fingleton from Ballyroan, a spokesperson for People Over Wind.

“The level of concern and fear is so strong that many families are stumping up €1,000 to stop what is seen as an outrageous and oppressive plan. “People are incensed. The reaction is anger and deep frustration that their concerns have been completely ignored,” he said.

He says there is shock that An Bord Pleanála dismissed their own inspectors report, which recommended refusing permission for the 131.5metre tall turbines.

“For the fifteen families on the Pike Road who will end up living in a wind farm with turbines 600 metres in front and behind their houses, this decision is truly tragic,” he said.

The €50,000 legal fee must be raised within a week, to give their legal team time to form and lodge an appeal before the eight week deadline.

“We are calling on people for support, especially from Portlaoise. This is a gateway project and anyone who cares about Laois should fight to stop it,” he said.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/07/10/wind-turbine-battle-heading-to-high-court/