SINN Féin Councillor Liam Doherty has urged people to submit their observations and objections regarding the proposed Carrickaduff Hill Wind Farm in the Finn Valley to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) before Friday’s deadline.
Plans were formally lodged last month by Planree Ltd for up to 49 huge turbines, some with a maximum height of 500 feet, stretching from the iconic Barnesmore Gap to near Castlefin.
“I am asking that residents, and all those whom wishes to have their thoughts known in relation to the proposed development, to do so before the deadline passes this Friday, March 27, at 5.30 pm,” Cllr Doherty said.
“As I’ve previously stated, it’s extremely important that people have their say on this very important issue as communities locally will, whatever the outcome, have to live with the decision of planning authorities for years to come.
“Cllr Gary Doherty and I have offered the services of our constituency office in Ballybofey should they require any assistance in drafting their observation letters to An Bord Pleanála and, so far, the response has been good with a number of locals having taken up the offer.”
Additionally, Sinn Féin representatives on both sides of the border have submitted a joint observation to ABP, raising a number of concerns pertaining to the proposals.
“Deputy Pearse Doherty has also written to both Coillte and Minister Alan Kelly in relation to the development in which he asked the Minister to engage with locals and to take their concerns into account should any changes to current planning guidelines be considered.
“The Minister has stated that he intends to update the current Wind Energy Development Guidelines, which were introduced in 2006, and has given a commitment to refer to all the previous public consultation processes which have been undertaken when framing the new guidelines.
“In the interim, I would strongly advise everyone to complete their submissions to ABP before this Friday as it’s hoped that, whatever conclusion planners may come to, it will ultimately be in the interest of the entire community.”
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