March 28, 2019
Ireland

Irish Wildlife Trust say ‘No to Derryadd wind farm’

By Kevin Forde | Longford Leader | 28 Mar 2019 | www.longfordleader.ie

The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) have joined the campaign against the proposed 24-turbine wind farm at Derryadd, Co Longford.

It has been confirmed that the IWT have submitted an official objection to An Bord Pleanála against the development. The organisation have noted that although they are not opposed to wind energy generation, which is necessary to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets, they have expressed their concern at the proposed location of the farm which is predominantly peatlands.

In particular, the presence of turbines can be at odds with biodiversity protection, the restoration of which is equally as important as addressing climate change. They spoke of their disappointment for community members that the preferred Shannon Wilderness park will not be developed and said many ecologists chose this as the perfect site for the reintroduction of long-extinct Irish birds such as crane and bittern.

“We’re very disappointed that the hard work and hopes of local communities for the Shannon Wilderness Park are being swept aside by Bord na Móna in their pursuit of this wind energy project,” IWT Campaigns Officer, Pádraic Fogarty said.

“There’s a huge opportunity in creating a distinct and unique identity for this part of Longford, something people would travel from far and wide to experience.”

It was also hoped that white-tailed sea eagles would colonise the shores of Lough Ree. IWT say Bord na Móna should be working with locals to deliver this much sought-after project.

“Bord na Móna should be working with local people and ecologists in trying to deliver this, rather than working against them to impose an unwanted wind farm. We hope An Bord Pleanala can refuse permission.” Pádraic Fogarty concluded.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2019/03/28/irish-wildlife-trust-say-no-to-derryadd-wind-farm/