Proposed windfarms in Mayo are 'monstrosities'

A Mayo Senator has backed community opposition to a number of proposed windfarm projects in the north of the county.

Fine Gael Senator Mark Duffy told the Seanad last week that he is vehemently opposed to the developments.

"I stand in support of the people of the Lacken-Ballycastle-Killala area and Erris in their opposition to two proposed windfarm developments that are being advanced in both of those areas. These are areas of scenic natural beauty, home to rural areas and people who have faced depopulation and many challenges down through the years. They are resilient communities. Both of these proposals totally contravene county development plans and the wind energy strategy. They contravene 'Wild Mayo', which was a Fáilte Ireland document released in Ballinglen earlier this year."

Senator Duffy argued the windfarms will undermine years of history and natural beauty.

“What is being proposed will destroy areas with thousands of years of history, including neolithic, ecological and biological history, and precious ecosystems that we celebrate and promote. They will be undermined by both of these developments. We in north Mayo are playing our role in sustainable energy, including wind energy, but these are totally in the wrong location. I object to them and support the opposition of the local community."

He said the proposed turbines and their scale were "monstrosities".

“St Muredach's Cathedral in Ballina is one of the tallest buildings in north Mayo. It stands at 46 metres. One of these turbines alone would dwarf St Muredach's Cathedral. At 180 metres, these are monstrosities that are being proposed. 

"I ask for the support of the House to support a community that has been very proactive. I compliment both of the action groups, which have been constructive in working with the communities that are constructively objecting to both proposals. Councillors Jarlath Munnelly and Gerry Coyle have been working with me on the rejection of both of these monstrosities, which would undermine the scenic beauty of north Mayo. 

"These companies cannot ride roughshod over communities that were there long before these proposals ever began," he added.