“These are monstrosities” - Senator raises strong opposition to proposed Mayo wind farms
Mayo senator says developments would damage scenic landscapes, heritage and local communities
Concerns over two proposed wind farm developments in North Mayo were raised in Seanad Éireann yesterday (Wednesday, June 10), with Senator Mark Duffy voicing strong opposition to the projects and pledging his support for local communities campaigning against them.
Speaking during the Order of Business, Senator Duffy said he stood “in support of the people of the Lacken-Ballycastle-Killala area and Erris” who are opposing the proposed developments.
The Mayo senator argued that the projects would have a significant impact on some of the county’s most scenic and historically important landscapes.
“These are areas of scenic natural beauty, home to rural areas and people who have faced depopulation and many challenges down through the years,” Senator Duffy told the Seanad.
He claimed the proposed developments were contrary to existing county development plans, the county’s wind energy strategy and the recently launched “Wild Mayo” tourism initiative.
According to Senator Duffy, the projects would affect areas rich in ecological, archaeological and cultural significance.
“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,” he said.
While stressing that North Mayo is already playing its part in renewable energy generation, Senator Duffy maintained that the proposed locations were unsuitable.
“We in North Mayo are playing our role in sustainable energy, including wind energy, but these are totally in the wrong location,” he said.
To illustrate the scale of the proposed turbines, Senator Duffy referenced one of Ballina’s most recognisable landmarks.
“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,” he said.
The senator also praised local campaign groups for their efforts and acknowledged the involvement of local councillors in opposing the developments.
“I compliment both of the action groups, which have been constructive in working with the communities that are constructively objecting to both proposals,” he said, adding that Councillors Gerry Coyle and Jarlath Munnelly had been working alongside him on the issue.
Responding during the debate, Senator Garret Ahearn said Senator Duffy had made a strong case and highlighted the importance of local authority development plans.
“Councillors are there to put forward county development plans. They know areas better than anyone else and are elected to represent the people of an area,” Senator Ahearn said.
He added that if experienced local representatives such as Councillors Gerry Coyle and Jarlath Munnelly, along with Senator Duffy, were raising concerns, those concerns should be taken seriously.
Senator Ahearn also noted that while Senator Duffy supports renewable energy and wind farms generally, his opposition relates specifically to the proposed locations in North Mayo.
The debate comes as community opposition continues to grow in parts of Erris and the Lacken-Ballycastle-Killala area, where residents have expressed concerns about the potential impact of large-scale wind energy developments on the landscape, environment and local heritage.