Mayo TD opposes wind farm with turbines 'taller than Dublin Spire'
Deputy Lawless addressed a meeting held in Mayo Abbey on Thursday, June 11, where locals raised concerns about a proposed wind farm in the area.
Opposition Mayo TD Paul Lawless has said that the West of Ireland is being ‘bombarded’ with Wind Farm proposals.
Deputy Lawless addressed a meeting held in Mayo Abbey on Thursday, June 11, where locals raised concerns about a proposed wind farm in the area.
The Aontú TD stated that a planning application had been submitted to Mayo County Council by Cunlaghfadda Green Energy LTD, seeking to construct seven wind turbines, at 160 meters in height, in the Mayo Abbey region.
He further stated that the window for submitting objections is far too small, with locals having to submit their opposition to the project by June 23.
“These proposed turbines are absolutely massive. They are taller in height than the Statue of Liberty, taller than the Spire in Dublin, and Big Ben in London, “ he stated.
He further stated his agreement with the local people on their concerns regarding ‘the devolution of their property, the restrictions these turbines may place on their ability to build homes in the area, and the environmental risks associated with the construction phase and the power substation which would form part of the development.’
Deputy Lawless also stated that ‘the government is hugely supportive of data centres, which are guzzling electricity.’
“These data centres are largely located in the east of the country, while the west is being bombarded with wind farms in order to feed electricity to the east. This is not fair,” he said.
"Nobody wants to live next to an enormous wind turbine. If a local person owns a site next to the proposed development, they are worried about a significant reduction in the value of their site if the development goes ahead in Mayo Abbey,” he added.
He further stated that he has raised the issue with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste many times in the Dáil.
“The guidelines currently governing the construction of turbines are about 20 years out of date. Back in 2006, wind turbines were much smaller. I've been pushing for new guidelines to try to ensure that turbines must be a set distance away from houses, proportional to their height,” he said.
He further stated that the government had voted against new guidelines which were brought to the Dáil by the opposition just before Christmas.
“I will be launching an objection to Mayo County Council over the Mayo Abbey proposal and would encourage other politicians and residents in the area to do so too," he concluded.