April 15, 2017
Ireland

Turbine victory for Inishowen Wind Energy Action Group

Donegal Now | Friday 14th of April 2017 | www.donegalnow.com

Environmental activists have successfully challenged the regulations around wind turbines in Inishowen and wider Donegal.

Speaking to the Inish Times, Mary Crumlish, chairperson of the Inishowen Wind Energy Action Group (IWEAG) said March 27 had been a “remarkable day”

She explained: “As an environmentalist, March 27 past was a remarkable day in relation to wind turbines in Inishowen and greater Donegal.

“That was a long-campaigned for day, when Donegal County Council re-instated Variation Number Two to Donegal’s County Development Plan. The Variation provided for a ten times tip height separation from wind turbines to places of residence or congregation, and provided protection for six river sub basins as directed by EU Law.

“As well as the IWEAG, there were representatives from Glenties and Finn Valley wind farm information groups in Lifford that day, as we said, ‘to witness and celebrate’ this vital re-instatement.

“Our journey began in June 2014. After exhaustive research and intensive study of all available information on wind farms, Donegal County Council democratically voted to include a Variation in its County Development Plan.

“Two successive Government Ministers over-ruled this evidence-based democratic decision and, were it not for the tenacity and courage of Councillor John Campbell (Ind), democracy in Donegal would have been flattened,” said Ms Crumlish.

Cllr Campbell challenged the ministerial decision regarding Variation Number Two in the High Court.

Ms Crumlish said: “Thankfully, the High Court found in Cllr Campbell’s favour and we in Inishowen can now breathe a huge sigh of relief regarding the density of wind turbines in the peninsula and in wider County Donegal.

“IWEAG is pleased that Mr Seamus Neely, the Chief Executive of Donegal County Council has now advised the County Council the previous ministerial direction regarding wind turbines, has been quashed.

“Mr Neely has also effectively confirmed that Donegal County Council has now restored Variation Number Two, concerning Wind Energy Developments, to the Donegal County Plan,” concluded Ms Crumlish.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2017/04/15/turbine-victory-for-inishowen-wind-energy-action-group/