South Roscommon councillors unite over Cornafulla wind farm

By Rebekah O'Reilly

South Roscommon councillors have united in opposition to a proposed wind farm in the Cornafulla area.

The six councillors in the Athlone Municipal District of Roscommon County Council on Monday joined forces to voice their concern over the proposal by BnM (formerly Bord na Móna) and SSE Renewables.

Late last year, details of the proposed windfarm were revealed at public consultation meetings. It is planned for the BnM landbank on Cornafulla Bog. The study area for the project extends towards Drumlosh to the south west, Clonown to the north east and southwards to the Shannon.

Cllr Domnick Connolly, Cllr Valerie Duffy, Cllr Lawrence Fallon, Cllr Emer Kelly, Cllr John Keogh and Cllr Tony Ward, made a joint call at Roscommon County Council month's meeting, on planners, including An Coimisiún Pleanála, to fully recognise what they describe as the “sensitivities of the area”.

They warned that the development “is not in keeping with the County Development Plan and its associated strategies.”

Opening the discussion, Cllr Domnick Connolly stressed that the motion is not an attack on renewable energy, but a call for balance and a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting Cornafulla Bog and its surrounds.

“It’s not about opposing renewable energy,” he said. “It’s about recognising the distinctive landscape, within the wider area of Clonmacnoise.”

He added that councillors have a duty to guide sustainable growth.

"Athlone and its hinterlands are developing as a potential sixth city… growth must include environmental considerations.”

He added that “whatever views members may take, the sensitivities of the area are clearly recognised.”

Cllr Valerie Duffy highlighted the environmental recovery already underway in the area since peat extraction ceased in 2020.

“The bog has started a natural process of reinvigoration. This recovery is significant for biodiversity,” she said, describing the lands as “valuable carbon sinks.”

She emphasised the need for alternative climate solutions, noting that while she supports renewable energy in principle.

“No one here is saying renewable energy should not happen, of course it should. Cornafulla Bog is a recovering landscape.”

Tourism and heritage concerns were raised by Cllr Lawrence Fallon, who argued that location is critical.

“There are places that are not desirable for wind turbines,” he said. “It’s an area of special interest. It (Clonmacnoise) is in the top 10 tourist attractions each year, and it is very close to the River Shannon.”

He added: “We need wind energy, but if ever I saw a place that is not suitable, it is Cornafulla. It is across from a monastic site, it's in the Shannon catchment, and we need a detailed feasibility study.”

Cllr Emer Kelly focused on the human impact of large-scale infrastructure, noting that rural life would be impacted by lighting, traffic and more.

“These issues affect people’s quality of life,” she said. “Maintaining the balance between urban and countryside is important.

“Large infrastructural developments that do not align with the community should not be used to patch bigger problems. It’s important we remain strong in our approach to our policies.”

Cllr John Keogh argued that the proposal contradicts existing planning guidance.

“Wind energy development should be offshore,” he said, adding that “the development plan is made to guide development across the county, and we need to follow that plan”.

He pointed out that “the Cornafulla area is designated as not suitable for wind energy” noting its role in protecting “the relationship between the bog and the Shannon Callows.”

Cllr Tony Ward underlined the ecological significance of the region.

“The Middle Shannon Callows is designated as a SAC, and it has international importance,” he said, referencing species such as the whooper swan, golden plover, snipe, and otter, and the “growing value of the wetlands.”

Cllr Ward, who said he has “always opposed wind turbines” locally, added: “I have huge concerns with depopulation and de-conservation. I hope this will be adopted.”

Local group Friends of Clonmacnoise, Cornafulla & the Shannon Callows were also in attendance at the meeting for the discussion on the issue.

They say that at least ten wind turbines, each exceeding 185 metres in height, are being considered for the Cornafulla Bog site.

The proposed windfarm project will go through a pre-planning consultation process with An Coimisiún Pleanála to determine whether it qualifies as a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID).

Under Irish planning law, wind farms with more than 25 turbines or a total output exceeding 50 megawatts may be classed as SID, which allows applications to go directly to the planning board.

If deemed to be qualify as a strategic infrastructure development, the planning application will be submitted directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

That process allows Roscommon County Council executive to submit a report on its views on the project. The councillors’ motion will now be attached to the executive report, and submitted as part of the planning process, ensuring their concerns are formally considered by decision-makers.

BnM and SSE have said the exact number and locations of turbines have not yet been determined.

It said the project team is undertaking a number of onsite surveys on Cornafulla Bog, such as ecology, ornithology, aquatic and heritage surveys.

At the next consultation phase, the draft wind turbine layout will be available as will detail on the setback distance, location, height and number of proposed turbines

As part of the community engagement programme for Cornafulla Wind Farm, BnM and SSE have appointed a Community Relations Team, including a dedicated Community Liaison Officer.

The company said the proposed Cornafulla Wind Farm would bring a range of benefits to the local area, including a dedicated Community Benefit Fund and would make a significant contribution to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2025.