Cornafulla residents express concern over proposed South Roscommon wind farm

The local community group Friends of Cornafulla, Clonmacnoise & the Shannon Callows, held a public meeting to discuss concerns about a proposed wind farm in the area yesterday (Thursday).

The meeting took place at Clann na nGael’s grounds in Johnstown, where over 200 locals attended to share their concerns.

Athlone Guided Tours operator Vincent Harney, a native of Cornafulla, called for Bord Na Mona and SSE to reconsider the plans.

“The Shannon Callows Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is the largest natural wetland in Western Europe, and home to many rare and threatened species,” Mr Harney said.

“This proposed site directly borders the Shannon Callows SAC on three sides, for a distance of 5 kilometres, and is a crucial habitat for a number highly protected animals and birds. The ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise is just over half a mile from this site.

"In this bog area, no peat has been extracted for a number of years. Whooper geese rest there and feed there during the winter time. Many locals have observed otters and different species of wild animals.

“This plan has been deemed the most unsuitable area for wind turbines by Roscommon County Council. I'd also call on politicians to use their influence not to destroy the ecology of such a special area along the banks of the Shannon.”

Initial plans for the wind farm, a joint project by Bord na Móna and SSE Renewables, were recently outlined and would see development on Cornafulla Bog in South Roscommon, located between Athlone, Clonmacnoise, and Shannonbridge.

Maps of the proposed study area show it extending across much of the Creggan townland, from Drumlosh eastwards towards Clonown, and north to Cornafulla. The site lies on the western bank of the River Shannon, opposite Clonmacnoise.

The project is currently entering a pre-planning consultation with An Coimisiún Pleanála to determine if 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 can be classed as SID.

If the project is designated as strategic infrastructure, the formal planning application would be submitted directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála rather than the local authority.