Councillors in Roscommon say they will not support plans for a large wind farm in the west of the county. It follows Chief Executive Shane Tiernan’s report on the development of eleven turbines in the Frenchpark and Ballinagare areas. The turbines, measuring 185 metres tall, are part of the Carrigeen Renewable Energy Development. The council executive voiced concerns regarding the location of the wind farm, which would be close to Rathcroghan. The council is worried it could have had adverse impact on its bid to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A report prepared by the council's chief executive says the proposal can't be endorsed on the basis of the detail, analysis and justifications presented to date. An Coimisún Pleanála will make the final decision on planning permission, but the council had been asked for its view. At today's council meeting, councillors voiced their opposition to the wind farm. Cllr Tom Crosby told the meeting that the Government has ‘failed miserably’ to set out proper guidelines when it comes to wind farms.
Cllr Valerie Byrne said the development would hamper Rathcroghan’s UNESCO bid and damage local tourism. Cllr Sean Moylan also rejected the plans, and said a wind farm near Rathcroghan would ‘fly in the face’ of local residents’ difficulties in obtaining planning permission in the historical area.
