December 14, 2014
Ireland

Castle owner claims wind turbines “spoiling” Irish countryside are hampering tourist trade

Irish Mirror | Dec. 13, 2014 | www.irishmirror.ie

The proud owner of a castle has said tourists have vowed never to return over massive wind turbines “spoiling” the countryside.

Grace Pym has spent 25 years carefully restoring her castle in Borris-in-Ossory, Co Laois, and opened it up as a hotel.

She is afraid the humming vibrations from giant wind turbines near her business could damage the 15th-century Ballaghmore Castle and keep tourists away.

The castle owner declared: “There’s one thing that the tourists love and that’s the view.

“Even the Eiffel Tower hasn’t got my view. We can see the Wicklow mountains nearly a 100 miles away on a clear day.”

But she said a wind farm of 15 turbines erected less than a mile away last year is spoiling the acres of rural green views and giving local residents sleepless nights. Mrs Pym added: “The Americans said they couldn’t be bothered coming back. They said ‘you’ve spoiled your lovely countryside.’

“The tourists can’t believe it. They said we’re mad. They said we’re ruining our heritage. They say it’s disgusting to go around Ireland now. I’m in love with this castle and with Irish culture. I’m horrified about it.

“It upsets me terribly. This is a national monument. This is the most important building in Co Laois.

“These turbines are six times higher than my castle so that’s 600 feet.”

More wind turbines and pylons are earmarked for around the country as part of the Government’s plan to upgrade our national electricity supply.

Historian Mrs Pym fumed: “They haven’t got a clue the damage they’ve done. I want them to take them all down. It’s an appalling view especially at night with flashing lights.

“I’m worried about the castle. Luckily, we don’t get the constant hum because we have thick walls and are surrounded by trees but our neighbours can’t sleep.”

The 500-year-old historic site attracts dozens of tourists from around the globe each year. Paddy Massey, spokesman for ReThink Pylons said the massive structures will damage tourism for the country.

He added: “This €4billion project, called Grid 25, is technically just another tax on the consumer.

“Ireland could meet the EU emission targets for one tenth of that cost, by converting Moneypoint in Co Clare to biomass or burning wood pellets.

“Then we wouldn’t need all these wind farms and pylons scattered all over our lovely land, destroying our tourism and agriculture.”

Mrs Pym said she made no submission in objection to the planning permission, which was granted by Tipperary County Council in 2009.

Last March, the wind farm was sold to international asset management company BlackRock.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/12/14/castle-owner-claims-wind-turbines-spoiling-irish-countryside-are-hampering-tourist-trade/