Environmental activists voice concern on wind farms proposed for County Derry

An environmental group is seeking an 'urgent meeting' with Economy Minister, Conor Murphy regarding 'industrial scale' wind farms proposed for County Derry.

Catriona McReynolds, a member of the ‘Save Benbradagh’ committee, hand-delivered a letter of objection to Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd, at an event in Glór Dhún Geimhin last week, marking the official opening of the Dungiven bypass.  

While welcoming the 'long-awaited' bypass, which it said would 'contribute to the regeneration of the area', the ‘Save Benbradagh’ letter, signed by its chairperson Shauna McGroarty, said: “There is  a development that will have a detrimental impact in the area, that will be irreversible in terms of the environment, health and well-being, heritage, social and economic development and tourism. 

“Industrial scale wind farms have been progressed for two key local attractions within our community, in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) namely, Benbradagh Mountain and Banagher Dam Nature Reserve. 

“The sheer scale of the wind turbines proposed for an AONB defies belief and demonstrates both the careless and negligent mismanagement and overreliance on onshore wind farms that is being exploited by wind companies for huge commercial gain. 

“Due to the collapse of the NI Assembly, our community has been denied political representation and engagement in relation to these proposed developments that have been progressed in the political vacuum. 

“We are extremely concerned about the manner by which these developments have been progressed - particularly the obvious unsuitability of these locations, the lack of consultation with the community and the lack of political representation and engagement.”

‘Save Benbradagh’ stressed it was critical the Executive was made aware of these issues. 

It added: “There is serious opposition to these developments in our community and there appears to be a geographical imbalance in respect of the siting of wind farms in the North that we would like to raise with you directly. 

“Developments such as those proposed for our area would never be considered in any other AONB’s such as the Mourne Mountains or Spelga Dam. Indeed in parts of Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales ensure their AONBs are protected from wind development and there is an insistence that the onshore wind industry finds more suitable locations, while adopting a more diverse approach to the renewable transition. 

“Both wind farms will be sited on carbon and water storing peat bog and grassland, thousands of tonnes of concrete will be poured into these hills above our community risking pollution to water sources, rivers and wildlife. 

“The North has one of the most depleted areas of biodiversity and natural heritage in the world and the focus on onshore wind energy to meet targets by the Executive has become irresponsible and unsustainable,” said the environmental group, which described Benbradagh Mountain as 'the crown over Dungiven town'.

‘Save Benbradagh’ said the mountain was 'a stunning natural tourist attraction - the backdrop to many key cultural and sporting sites including Dungiven Castle'.

“Benbradagh is a significant heritage site that is now home to Gaelcholáiste Dhoire,” said ‘Save Benbradagh’. 

“The culture, folklore and heritage is inextricably connected to Benbradagh - indeed the original name of the mountain is recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters, ‘Binn Fhada Rí Cianachta’ (The long peak of the King of Ciannacht). 

“It is a focal point for all sections of the community, attracting walkers, families, and tourists and is recognised nationally as being a top spot for paragliding. It is home to wildlife including threatened species of birds. 

“Similarly, Banagher Dam is an important tourist location, a peaceful escape for local families and visiting tourists, walkers and cyclists as well as having one of the oldest ancient sessile Oaklands in Ireland. 

“Our greatest asset is the outstanding natural beauty of the area in which we live and it must be preserved for the benefit of our community and for generations to come. We look forward to hearing from you in respect of an urgent meeting with a delegation from our community.”