February 3, 2018
Northern Ireland

Wind farm noise complaints highest in Omagh district

Ulster Herald | February 2, 2018 | ulsterherald.com

The number of complaints received for wind farm noise is significantly higher in Omagh and Fermanagh District than any other council area.

According to latest statistics from DAERA, there was a total of 13 noise complaints made as a result of wind turbines (individual) in the Omagh and Fermanagh area. This was significantly higher than the five complaints made in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, five in Mid-Ulster and five in the Newry, Mourne and Down district. Overall, Belfast district was the only area with no turbine-related noise complaints.

The situation may worsen with ten 125 metre turbines currently being erected in Dooish, near Drumquin.

A council attempt to refuse planning permission for the site, citing concerns about breaches of noise limits, was overturned last year.

An ever contentious issue, the effect on residents is a key concern when it comes to wind farm applications.

Last November the planning committee of Mid-Ulster successfully refused planning for five turbines in Davagh forest near Greencastle after a significant number of local objections.

The council felt the wind farm would have a “direct impact on local dwellings”.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2018/02/03/wind-farm-noise-complaints-highest-in-omagh-district/