Community group take Judicial Review to protect the North Sperrins
The “Heart of the Sperrins appeal” has been launched to raise funds for the legal challenge
The voluntary community group, Save Benbradagh is challenging the decision of the Planning Appeals Commission to grant permission for a wind farm at Magheramore, outside Dungiven.
The development was initially refused by Causeway Coast and Glens Council on the recommendation of the planning office. The Historic Environment Division also submitted strong objections to the proposal.
The Magheramore wind farm would be sited in an iconic landscape described as the ‘heart of the Sperrins’.
The area has visual prominence as it is on the arterial route between the principal cities of Belfast and Derry. The development would adversely impact Banagher Glen, Banagher Old Church and Tomb of the O’Heaney, Magheramore tombs, Benbradagh mountain, the Benedy Glen and according to the Council’s planning office, it will ‘sit oppressively over the town of Dungiven’.
It would be difficult to identify a comparable area in the region given its natural beauty, ecological significance and rich cultural heritage.
“In light of existing planning policy, the exceptional beauty and high visibility of this part of the Sperrins, it is incredible that this development has been given the go-ahead and that we are the last line of defence,” said Shauna McGroarty, Chair of Save Benbradagh.
“Without a proper management plan, the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has been left with an over proliferation of industrial wind turbines, and we are at the tipping point. If we cannot protect the principal assets in our AONB, the relevant designations and other protections will be totally obsolete.”
Banagher Glen, one of oldest ancient oak woodlands in Ireland, has been designated as a European Area of Nature Conservation. Rich in lore and mythology, ‘Lig na Peiste’ marks the deep pool in the glen where the Saint Muiredach reputedly killed a serpent. The proposed development would be a dominant feature in Banagher Glen as turbines will be seen and heard on the upper part of the popular walkway. The development will also result in the temporary and permanent loss of 0.4 hectares of peatland.
The proposed site is in close proximity to the tranquil setting of Banagher Old Church. It is believed that Saint Muiredach was led to the hill-top site by a stag. The local GAA club, St Mary’s GAC Banagher, has incorporated the stag into the club crest. Since the 12th Century descendants of Saint Muiredach have practised the ‘lifting of the sand’ from his tomb. During his lifetime Nobel laureate, Seamus Heaney, visited the Tomb of the O’Heaney.
The Historic Environment Division has stated that the development will result in adverse impacts on the integrity of the setting of Banagher Old Church and Tomb, in particular critical visual and experiential aspects.
The campaign group believe the Magheramore development would despoil the integrity of the view from the summit of Benbradagh along the famed Ulster Way. The development would also be prominent along the Benedy Glen that follows the winding River Roe from Glenshane to Dungiven.
The “Heart of the Sperrins appeal” has been launched to raise funds for the legal challenge. The campaign is backed by prominent exponents of traditional music in the area including Seamus O’Kane, songstress Mary Dillon and harper, Nodlaig Ní Bhrollaigh.
The Save Benbradagh group is calling out for support from the community and the diaspora of Dungiven and Banagher - Heaney’s, O’Kane’s, McCloskey’s, O’Neill’s and Mullan’s!
Follow the campaign on Facebook Save Benbradagh – public page.