Inishowen Wind Energy Awareness Group praises refusal of coastal wind turbine 

Inishowen Wind Energy Awareness Group welcomes the decision by An Bord Pleanala of the 12th July 2016 to refuse the single turbine extension for a third wind turbine on Crockbrack Hill (PA 15/51683 / PL 05.246265)

It is fair to say and it is a huge relief for IWEAG that the correct decision was ultimately made by the Board. IWEAG was always of the opinion that an extension of the already existing wind farm would seriously injure the amenities of the area, namely property and interfere with the character of the landscape. This kind of industrialized wind farm development is not in accordance with the policy of the Donegal County Council planning authority (TOU-P-3) “not to permit development proposals which would detract from the visual quality/amenity on either the approach roads to, or views to be had from significant tourism attractions.”

The Council’s refusal for PA 15/551683 on the 19th of February was based on the fact that the proposed no. 3 turbine would have been in closer proximity to the coast and in all respects more visually obtrusive, discordant and incongruous and the cumulative results of this development on the landscape would dominate in terms of scale and spatial dominance. (See Chief Executive’s Order No. 201PH0299 for PA 15/51683)

We think it prudent to remember the fact that the parent application for the Crockbrack Hill Wind farm (no. 2 turbines), PA 12/70002 was refused by Donegal County Council on the 1st March 2012 for much the same reasons. This decision was appealed by the developer and the no.2 wind turbine development was granted by ABP on the 13th of December 2012 – PL 05A240394.

From 2012 IWEAG strongly opposed this industrial wind turbine development on Crockbrack Hill. One of the great joys of Inishowen is the wild, unspoilt countryside and coastline. Kinnagoe Bay is a treasured place to both residents and the thousands of people who visit throughout the year. The hills on the either side of the Long Glen that lead down to the bay are wild and undisturbed. The Bay itself consists of high cliffs surrounding a wild beach.

This stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way is a fundamental element providing the visitor with opportunities to see and experience the best land and seascapes along the route. The WAW which is Ireland’s first long-distance touring route is stretching along the Atlantic coast from Donegal to West Cork. Kinnagoe Bay was selected on the basis that it provides an exceptional Wild Atlantic experience and is now the third Discovery Point when you start the route from Derry and the North.

By now the WAW is well established national and international and it is a significant tourist resource. People do come to Ireland and specially to Inishowen to experience its wild rugged beauty and magical powers. This increase of tourism is the one chance for local people to build a real sustainable local economy that does directly influence the area where it is established. This will create new employment and will encourage our young people who have had to leave Donegal, to return back to their homes.

IWEAG is delighted that the struggle to protect Kinnagoe Bay from further Wind Turbine Development with the help of friends and supporters both locally and abroad prompted this excellent result.

We thank all our friends and supporters for their ongoing and never ending support. There were more than 500 local people who signed the petition to protect the WAW. 1151 online signatures to Protect Kinnagoe Bay from further wind farm development and last but not least the 24 submission of objection to the extension of a third wind turbine. This was always a great boost for us to continue the campaign for the protection of this special area of outstanding beauty. Without this level of support we would never have succeeded.

Special thanks to our special friend the Polar Bear!

Inishowen Wind Energy Awareness Group
Chairwoman Mary Crumlish