Opposition to windfarm in historic Mayo area

A group of local residents is preparing to hold a public meeting about plans for a major wind energy development near Mayo Abbey, with concerns being raised over the potential impact on heritage, wildlife, landscape and future development opportunities in the locality.

The meeting will be held in Mayo Abbey Community Centre on this Thursday, June 11, at 8pm. It comes following the submission of a planning application to Mayo County Council by Cunlaghfadda Green Energy Limited for a seven-turbine windfarm in the townlands of Knockroe, Cunlaghfadda, Harefield, Cloonbaul and Knockaunakill.

While objectors stress that they are not opposed to renewable energy in principle, they argue that this particular location is unsuitable due to what they describe as the area's exceptional archaeological, environmental and residential sensitivity.

The application seeks a ten-year planning permission for a substantial renewable energy development comprising seven wind turbines, each with a blade-tip height of 160 metres, a rotor diameter of 136 metres and a hub height of 92 metres. The proposal also includes a 92-metre meteorological mast, a new substation connection, underground cabling, access roads, hard-standing areas, drainage infrastructure, a temporary construction compound, a borrow pit, peat and spoil management areas, biodiversity enhancement measures and associated site works.

According to planning documentation, the turbines would have an operational lifespan of 35 years before eventual decommissioning. The proposed development spans a number of townlands in an area situated close to Mayo Abbey, one of the most historically significant ecclesiastical sites in Ireland.

Cunlaghfadda Green Energy describes itself as an Irish-owned and managed renewable energy company based in County Limerick. An associated company, Cloonkett Green Energy, is currently putting an application together for a development in Co Clare, and another associated company, Ballynisky Green Energy, was recently refused planning in Co Limerick, but has lodged an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

The company states that 12 landowners have entered agreements to facilitate the Mayo Abbey project. It says the development would contribute towards Ireland's renewable energy targets, help reduce carbon emissions and strengthen energy security.

The company says that the proposed windfarm would have the capacity to power 17,500 homes and create 35 jobs. It also says the project could generate a community benefit fund worth approximately €2 million during the first 15 years of operation, supporting local initiatives and investment projects.

However, despite those potential benefits, opposition to the proposal has been growing locally. A number of residents plan to lodge objections and observations with the council, expressing concern that the project would significantly alter the character of the area. Among the most frequently cited concerns is the location of the development within what objectors describe as the wider historic landscape of Mayo Abbey.

Residents argue that Mayo Abbey is far more than the surviving ruins visible today and forms part of an extensive cultural landscape containing numerous archaeological sites, historic settlement features and evidence of early medieval activity. According to the objectors, the applicant's own archaeological assessment identified 94 archaeological sites or groups of sites within a five-kilometre study area, along with dozens of previously unrecorded cultural heritage features.

Objectors contend that the cumulative visual impact of seven turbines standing 160 metres high would fundamentally alter the setting of this historic landscape. Environmental concerns have also featured prominently in submissions.

Local residents point to the presence of a range of protected and vulnerable species within the wider area, including Curlew, Hen Harrier, Lapwing, Kestrel, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and various bat species. Particular attention has focused on the Curlew, one of Ireland's most endangered breeding bird species. Objectors say that documentation associated with the application identifies probable breeding Curlew activity within the study area, and argue that this should warrant further independent assessment.

The future of the Hen Harrier has also been highlighted. The species has experienced significant population declines nationally over recent decades and remains a conservation concern. Residents fear that additional wind energy infrastructure could place further pressure on important habitats within the region.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the presence of Marsh Fritillary butterfly habitat within the project area. The Marsh Fritillary is one of Ireland’s few legally protected Butterflies. It is protected under Annex II of the European Union Habitats and Species Directive and is regarded as one of Ireland's most important conservation-priority invertebrate species.

Objectors are aware that while a new Renewable Energy Strategy is being prepared for Mayo, the existing one states that: “…it has become common practice worldwide to identify areas that are environmentally sensitive (e.g. designated habitats, bird migration paths, undisturbed peat lands, noise sensitive locations) and for windfarms to avoid those areas.” 

Another issue repeatedly raised by local residents relates to cumulative impact. Objectors say that a number of existing windfarms already operate within approximately 10 kilometres of the proposed development and argue that the latest proposal cannot be viewed in isolation. They contend that the combined impact of multiple wind energy developments risks changing the overall character of the landscape and increasing pressure on wildlife habitats, visual amenity and rural communities.

Residential amenity has emerged as another major concern.

Planning documentation indicates that a significant number of homes fall within the shadow flicker assessment area associated with the proposed turbines. Shadow flicker occurs when rotating turbine blades periodically cast moving shadows over nearby properties under certain weather and sunlight conditions. Residents have expressed concern about the potential impact on homes located near the proposed turbine locations and argue that mitigation measures alone may not adequately address the issue.

There are also concerns regarding the possible implications for future housing development in the area. Some residents fear that the presence of large-scale wind energy infrastructure could restrict or complicate future planning opportunities for family homes and one-off rural housing in surrounding townlands.

Additional issues referenced include concerns surrounding peatland management, wildfire risk, construction traffic, road upgrades and archaeological investigations previously carried out as part of site assessments.