Brideswell windfarm opponents to appeal council go-ahead

The Wind Turbine Action Group South Roscommon has called on An Bord Pleanála to deal with wind farms earmarked for the Dysart and Brideswell areas together, as they believe they are part of one large project. Spokesperson Albert van Beek was reacting to news of Roscommon County Council's recent approval of Gaeltech Energy Ltd's plans for the second phase of the so-called Seven Hills Wind Farm, 19 wind turbines spanning parts of Brideswell and Taughmaconnell in a €76 million investment. He confirmed the group will be lodging an appeal to An Bord Pleanála in a bid to overturn the verdict as members believe they have a good case and their concerns have not been addressed by the Cavan-based company to date. "Obviously it goes without saying we are disappointed, but not surprised. We don't believe our objections were taken seriously," spokesperson for the opposition group Albert van Beek stated. "We are going to appeal to An Bord Pleanála and we hope An Bord Pleanála will consider phase one and two in their review... It's really one big project and we're right in the middle of it. It would be far better if they considered it as one big project which will affect Dysart and surrounding areas," he continued. The group is also unhappy that the further information sought by the local authority didn't cover areas of concern to the group, including the impact on local wildlife or the repercussions on the water table in the area. "In Ireland the minimum distance for wind turbines to houses is 500 metres, which is pretty close especially when the wind turbines are going higher. They used to be 80 metres, now they are 135 metres tall," Albert, who retired to live in the Dysart area six years ago, pointed out. He added that the group favours a situation where the distance of the turbines to housing is linked to their height, as is the case in other jurisdictions. A similar proposal by Labour Senator John Kelly was brought forward in a bill in the Upper House some time ago, and were it to be passed it would mean the turbines would be located 1,500 metres away from any home. "People are really concerned that they will ruin the landscape. They are also afraid that there will be planning restrictions on anyone who wants to build a house in the area as well," he complained. The 19 wind turbines, standing 135 metres tall are earmarked for nine separate townlands in areas of Brideswell and Taughmaconnell and would produce enough electricity to power 19,000 homes. The local areas earmarked for the wind turbines are Boleyduff, Cam, Cloonacaltry, Cuilleenoolagh, Feacle, Milltown, Skeavally, Tawnagh and Tobermacloughlin. Meanwhile, the future of the first element of the controversial wind farm plans in South Roscommon is expected in two to three weeks. A verdict on the appeal against the 16-turbine Dysart development should finally become public towards the end of this month or in early September according to sources in An Bord Pleanála. The wind turbines are proposed to be located on land holdings in the townlands of Cronin, Gortaphuill, Glenrevagh, Mullaghardagh, Tullyneeny and Turrock townlands, within a few miles of Dysart village.