Deadline extended for submissions over contentious windfarm

The deadline for submissions on a contentious North Mayo wind farm has been extended, writes Keith Bourke.

The closing date for submissions to An Coimisiún Pleanála on the Muingmore wind farm has been extended to August 7.

It comes after an error in the previously published Irish language version of the planning notice was detected and reported to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

The Irish-language version had given a shorter and inaccurate deadline for observations and objections. Corrected notices in both Irish and English have now been published in the Western People.

RWE Renewables Ireland is seeking to develop a windfarm consisting of 13 wind turbines with a capacity of up to 86MW in an area located approximately 11km west of Bangor Erris and about 4km north of Geesala. The study area comprises lands at Muingmore and Doolough measuring approximately 455 hectares. The company is seeking a 35-year operational life for the scheme.

More than 160 people attended a recent public meeting in Geesala about the wind farm. Community concerns were expressed and the meeting also heard interesting contributions from people from other parts of the county who have been impacted by wind farm developments.

Local Fine Gael councillor Gerry Coyle said he was heartened by the large turn-out. He urged anyone making submissions or observations to An Coimisiún Pleanála to ensure they are specific to their locality and personal concerns.

Submission clinics continue every Saturday at the Erris Coast Hotel in Geesala.