Criticism over consultation for proposed 14-turbine wind farm in Leitrim
Councillors say a by-appointment clinic in Rossinver was not enough engagement for a project of this scale and are urging a full public meeting before any planning application is submitted.
Disappointment was voiced during a meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District regarding a consultation process on a proposed wind turbine development on a mountain in North Leitrim.
Dublin-based firm FuturEnergy has proposed a 14-turbine wind energy development on Dough Mountain, located five kilometres from Manorhamilton.
There are currently three turbines in place on the mountain and, in 2010, a proposed eight-turbine wind farm on the same mountain was turned down by An Bord Pleanála because of the risk of “slope instability” and surface pollution.
On April 1, the company held a clinic at Rossinver Community Centre from 12pm to 6pm for the public, but attendance was by appointment only.
At April’s meeting of Manorhamilton MD, Cllr Eddie Mitchell asked that FuturEnergy be written to in order to acknowledge and thank the company for meeting with the elected members in Rossinver Community Centre regarding its proposed development on Dough Mountain, and to urge the company to convene a public meeting in an accessible venue, such as the Bee Park in Manorhamilton.
His motion stated that this would be for the purpose of presenting the proposal in full, addressing the concerns of local residents, and answering questions in relation to all aspects of the project, in order to ensure meaningful public engagement with the people of North Leitrim prior to the submission of any planning application.
“It’s a massive project, you’re talking about between €100 million and €150 million. The consultation happened in Rossinver with very little notice and there was no public meeting,” said Cllr Mitchell.
“A lot of people want to see a public meeting in Manorhamilton. I don’t think people in Manorhamilton had an opportunity to have a proper consultation,” he added.
Cllr Mitchell’s motion was supported by other councillors. “It was ridiculous that everyone had to make an appointment,” said Cllr Warnock, who noted that only over 40 people attended the clinic when the catchment area of the proposed development has thousands of people.
“It was a box ticking exercise, it was on during the day when people were working. This is part of the process. It’s important that there is a message to the public,” commented Cllr Gilmartin.
Cllr Mitchell emphasised that the main takeaway is that it was an inadequate public consultation.
“There is an opportunity to do more and we’ll ask them to do that,” he said. “They have a responsibility to do more,” added Cllr Gilmartin.