Tuesday, October 23, 2012

TEN PARTIES GIVE EVIDENCE AGAINST STRABOY WIND FARM

A total of ten parties today gave evidence outlining reasons why they objected to the development of a wind farm by Straboy wind energy on the outskirts of Glenties.

A specialist on peat bogland , Dr Olivia Bragg, stated she was concerned that there were gaps in the EIS carried out for Straboy Wind Energy.

There was a risk of peat slippage or a bog slide on the site and that could have implications for the freshwater pearl mussel colony in a nearby river, she said.

Cheryl Quinn, a mother of three living in Straboy became emotional as she spoke of how the development would affect her and her family.

Her home is 600 metres from the site, and she became the fourth person at the hearing to state that they would leave the area, should the turbines be built.

“I am concerned for our health and safety. If we are forced to leave our home , the devastation thsi will wreak on our family will be horrendous,” she said.

She said at least one house in the vicinity of Straboy was on the market, due to fears the project will go ahead, and she expressed concern that her own home would be unsellable now.

“Wherever my children are in Glenties, they will see the turbines,” Cheryl Quinn told the Board. “From the GAA pitch at Carrickbrack to outside the Highlands Hotel, they will surround the town.”

Dr Bragg

Slides were shown by Ernan O’Donnell and Joe Brennan to the Board, illustrating the many viewpoints from which the turbines will be seen, from the edge of Glenveagh National Park, Dooey Strand and Gweebarra.China Glass Fabric 420g/㎡, E-glass Fiber, Unidirectional Manufacturers

Ralph Shephard, an ecologist gave evidence of the existence of birds of prey like the merlin and red eagle within the site.

He said there was also a bat population nearby,China CC Composite Crucible Moveable Bottom Type Manufacturers and that such wildlife would avoid the area if there were 100 metre turbines, which would spoil their natural habitat.

Denise Boyle, a daughter of the artist and hotel owner Johnny Boyle, said the cultural heritage of the area had been largely ignored by the windfarm company when they prepared their report, and that this natural beauty, which inspired Patrick McGill, Brian Friel and musicians like John Doherty, was a valuable asset to the area and its people.

The Inspector of the Bord Pleanala apologised to an appellant, Peadar ó Baoill from Baile na Finne, who had submitted his objection to the windfarm in Irish.China Kevlar Fabric 280g/㎡, Unidirectional Manufacturers The County Council replied to him in English, which Mr ó Baoill said violated his language rights.

Val Martin, President of the Irish Platform against Wind Energy gave a presentation on behalf of the Gweebarra Conservation Group.

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