Lacken makes stand over windfarm

There are growing fears in Lacken that a proposed wind farm development may open the door to “200 or 300” wind turbines in the scenic area in the coming years.

Members of the Lacken/Ballycastle Landscape Protection Group held a public meeting last Wednesday night in Lacken community centre to voice local concerns over the submission of a planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála by Limerick-based company Constant Energy for Tirawley Wind Farm, which will consist of 16 turbines, a meteorological mast, a permanent operations compound, an on-site substation and an underground grid connection to a 110Kv substation at the former Asahi site outside Killala. An Coimisiún Pleanála is due to make a decision on the project by September 28, 2026. 

Chairperson of the local group Teresa Fagan said last week's meeting was to ensure that community voices were heard throughout the planning process and to coordinate a fact-based community response ahead of the closing date for submissions on November 25 next.

In a presentation to the meeting, Ms Fagan said the development will have an impact on the visual landscape of the area and while photos attached to the 4,000-page planning document make it look as though the wind turbines would blend in against the landscape, "the reality would be much different".

“The proposed turbines will dominate views from all local sites. These are not just scenic plays, they are part of our heritage, our identity, and the daily experience of living here,” she said. “When people think of North Mayo, they think of open coastline and unspoiled countryside. We need to consider carefully what it means to alter that image for generations to come.” 

She said the wind turbines would be visible from Lough Conn to the south and from the Donegal Mountains to the north.

“If this one goes ahead, it could set a precedent encouraging even more industrial-scale development across our rural landscape. The maps and technical drawings show how this could spread across multiple townlands, a patchwork of turbines stretching across our skyline.” 

Ms Fagan said local concerns included the potential impact of ‘shadow flicker’, which occurs when rotating blades pass between the sun and a dwelling, creating a strobe like effect indoors.

“Some 123 houses are within the affected area and 57% would experience flicker levels exceeding 30 minutes per day. That is not speculation, that is from the developer’s own data and highlight the need for rigorous community scrutiny.” 

Ending the presentation, Ms Fagan said the group would support anyone who wants to make a submission and called for volunteers to come forward and help them parse the 4,000-page planning document.

“This is a community issue and will take a collective effort,” she said.

The floor was open to questions and observations from attendees. One local landowner said his lands had been included on the planning application as a location for a turbine without his knowledge.

Another member of the community said they anticipated three turbines would have an effect by way of shadow flicker on their home and were concerned about further complications this may cause. Another attendee said they expect six turbines would affect their home.

A local resident said a lot of people living in north Mayo were indifferent or had no knowledge of what is happening and more awareness needed to be raised.

In response to a query from an audience member who said north Mayo was being discriminated against and a case should be brought against Mayo County Council over this, Eddie Farrell, a member of the committee, claimed the council is motivated to allow wind farm developments "to generate [commercial] rates".

“You have to admire the councillors in Westport and Achill who protected their area. The local councillors didn’t protect north Mayo, that’s a fact of life,” he said. “You’re wasting your time protesting to Mayo County Council. It’s been quite easy to see in the past 10 or 15 years, all they want to do is bring as many turbines as possible into north Mayo. The council is looking at the rates these turbines bring in.

“Mayo County Council are talking out of both sides of their mouth. They say they’ll protect our heritage but will agree to industrialise this area.” 

Ms Fagan added that Mayo County Council had let the area down by failing to retain the Céide Fields place on UNESCO’s tentative list of world heritage sites.

“If you get one turbine into Lacken and if they’re willing to destroy the Céide Fields and this coastline, there is nowhere that is safe,” she said.

“This is going to affect everything for miles around. There should be people from Enniscrone here tonight, they should know how this is going to affect them.

“We told people in meetings before, tomorrow it will be your area,” added Mr Farrell. “It is tomorrow now for Lacken. People only realise these things when they are on your doorstep. There is 200 coming down the line, maybe 300.” 

Mr Farrell said the developers need to be able to access local lands to carry out these works and urged landowners to not allow this access.

“It is important everyone knows they need permission. They are a private developer and cannot CPO (Compulsory Purchase Order) this land.” 

A member of the audience encouraged his fellow attendees to use their voices now while they have a chance.

“We have a voice, let’s use it. At the end of November, we won’t have a voice anymore. Let’s mobilise and get the best possible objections in with our best foot forward,” he said.

Prior to the start of the meeting, a minute’s silence was held for the late Eamonn Clarke, who was instrumental in setting up the Lacken/Ballycastle Landscape Protection Group and who passed away earlier this year after a short illness.