Wind turbines on bog would defeat park plan for endangered birds – IWT

Plans to install 24 wind turbines on bog land in Co Longford defeat the purpose of providing a home for endangered bird species, the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has said, announcing it was opposing the plans at An Bord Pleanála.

It said the presence of turbines can be at odds with biodiversity protection and was not conducive to the preservation of several species of birds.

Derryadd farm is one of three proposed sites Bord na Móna has identified for the generation of large-scale wind energy. Such use, it has said, is considered appropriate on former cutaway peat lands.

However, while supporting the development of wind energy, the IWT issued a detailed statement outlining the nature of its objection to An Bord Pleanála on Thursday.

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The site is part of the proposed Shannon Wilderness Park covering former bog lands.

“There’s a huge opportunity in creating a distinct and unique identity for this part of Longford, something people would travel from far and wide to experience,” said IWT campaigns officer Pádraic Fogarty.

“Bord na Móna should be working with local people and ecologists in trying to deliver this, rather than working against them to impose an unwanted wind farm. We hope An Bord Pleanála can refuse permission.”

The IWT said the Wilderness Park plan envisages the creation of a restored peat land landscape with the potential to be “a haven” for wildlife.

It said ecologists saw it as the perfect site for the reintroduction of long-extinct Irish birds such as crane and bittern, while it was also hoped that white-tailed sea eagles might colonise.

“A bank of turbines however is totally incompatible with these goals and would effectively negate any sense of unique identity which would be essential for the success of the Wilderness Park,” it said.

“Large, migratory birds are the most at risk from collision with turbines according to BirdLife International and this project would effectively rule out any reintroduction of these charismatic species.”

An Bord Pleanála did not immediately respond to requests for comment.