May 20, 2017
Ireland

ABO Windfarm decision is insulting to local Wicklow Communities

By WicklowNews | Published on May 19, 2017 | wicklownews.net

Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow/East Carlow Pat Casey has expressed his shock and anger at the decision by ABO Wind Ireland Ltd to re-apply for planning permission to build 11 Industrial scale windfarms in rural South Wicklow between the villages of Tinahely, Annacurra and Aughrim.

“The previous application which consisted of 12 industrial turbines that would dominate the local landscape resulted in one of the largest ever number of community and individual objections being sent to Wicklow County Council. Several large public meetings were held where the overwhelming view was that this application was disastrous for the communities living in their shadow.”

“There was nearly unanimous political support for these local communities and the planning application was rejected by Wicklow County Council in a most emphatic manner referencing the size and scale of these turbines, which “alter its reading as a rolling rural landscape to a more industrialised scene. There was also a harmful impact on the built and natural heritage of this part of rural Wicklow.”

“After the stress and financial cost that the local communities had to bear in order to protect their homes and families, there was widespread relief with the refusal and the strength of that refusal. However it now seems that ABO Wind Farm’s first application was just a scoping exercise and a cynical one at that.”

“Their so-called public door to door consultation following this refusal has been twisted to suggest that somehow there is community buy-in to this development. I will be working with local Councillors and the people of rural South Wicklow to ensure that this further attempt to impose this unacceptable development is once again rejected.”

“The common good of the residents of South Wicklow must be taken into account before we pollute our unique landscape with these industrial turbines. The deep pockets and the media campaigns of multi-national companies such as ABO must not subvert the democratic will of local people and the local Council.”

“I am also annoyed that the Fine Gael led Government has still not made decisions to protect our landscape and our people from dangers of widespread industrial wind turbines. The distance parameters and a landscape and noise strategy are still with Independent Minister Denis Naughten. Firm decisions are needed now to protect the people, the landscape and the tourism industry in South Wicklow.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2017/05/20/news-abo-windfarm-decision-is-insulting-to-local-wicklow-communities/