March 15, 2022
Ireland

Light pollution threat to wildlife and birds of prey in West Donegal

No public consultation or engagement about 100m mast - claim | By Connie Duffy | Donegal Live | www.donegallive.ie

Concern is growing in west Donegal about the erection of a huge static light on a 100m mast in the area.

A spokesperson for the Gweebarra Conservation Group/Coiste Timpeallacht Gaoth Beara has claimed that activities at Clogherachuillion and Cloghercor townlands, by Ørsted, a Danish multinational power company and Coillte and/or their agents is a threat to the documented birds of prey during nesting season.

“A huge static light has been erected on a 100m mast with no public consultation or Appropriate Assessment. The mast was erected in July 2020 by Brookfield Renewables in advance of Donegal County Council refusing them permission for a 100m mast in August 2020.

“Brookfield appealed the decision claiming they had a Section 5 Exemption for 80m of the mast and An Bord Pleanála granted their appeal.

“In 2021 Brookfield sold their Irish portfolio to Ørsted who are now in pre-planning consultations with An Bord Pleanála to build a monstrous wind farm on the south bank of the Natura 2000 Gweebarra River SAC.

The spokesperson claimed there has been little or no public consultation or engagement with the people in the area.

“This light can clearly be seen for 20km and whilst intimidating and upsetting for locals it is ecocide for wildlife who have hitherto enjoyed pristine dark skies.

“The polluting light has just been turned on in March, 2022 so obviously was surplus to requirement for the last two years.

“We would ask everyone to call for this light to be turned off. We need to protect biodiversity not industrialise the few remaining wild places we have.”

The spokesperson added that their photo (above) was taken 1.25km from the mast last night (Sunday) with a waxing gibbous Moon and clearly shows the offensive light pollution.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2022/03/15/light-pollution-threat-to-wildlife-and-birds-of-prey-in-west-donegal/