September 12, 2015
Northern Ireland

Protestors highlight ‘visual impact’ of wind farm plan

Ulster Herald | September 12, 2015 | ulsterherald.com

A visual mock-up of what the Lisnharney windfarm would look like if it receives the green light from planners has highlighted the full impact of the project will have on the local landscape, according to protesters.

The images have been reproduced by West Tyrone Against Wind Turbines.

They illustrate the proposed Lisnharney Windfarm from a variety of locations, including Plumbridge, Newtownstewart, the Gortin Glens, the A5 Road and the Gortin Road out of Omagh.

Owen McMullan from West Tyrone Against Wind Turbines said the images show how the local area would be affected.

“These turbines are proposed for an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the images show clearly the impact that they would have,” he said.

“Tourism is vital to this area, yet the views which have been cherished by so many over the years are being spoiled as these images show.”

The windfarm is being proposed by Renewable Energy International and has been the subject of strong opposition for a number of years. The application is currently the subject of a planning appeal.

Objections to the plan have been submitted by people living in the area, as well as the Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs, Sport NI and Mountaineering Ireland.

It is felt that the number and size of the turbines would have a detrimental impact on the amenity of recreational visitors and tourists using the NI Quality Walk – The Robbers Table.

Local Lisnaharney resident, Jason Devine, said the people of the area are “genuinely worried” about the size and scale of the windfarm development.

“The developer has said that it will bring economic benefits to the area, but at what cost to the people who have to live day and daily beside these turbines?

“Fermanagh and Omagh Council has already seen fit to reject this application and we have every expectation that the Planning Appeals Commission will do likewise.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/09/12/protestors-highlight-visual-impact-of-wind-farm-plan/