CONCERNS over plans to build Ireland’s largest wind farm along a 15 kilometre stretch of the Finn Valley are to be discussed at a public meeting in the area next week.
Plans are to be formally lodged by Planree Ltd on Friday, with An Bord Pleanala (ABP) for up to 49 huge turbines, some with a maximum height of 500 feet, stretching from the iconic Barnesmore Gap to near Castlefin.
Submissions or objections must be lodged with ABP within seven weeks, starting today, to arrive no later than 5:30 pm on Friday, March 27.
A public meeting on the proposals, organised by local residents, will be held in Meenreagh Social Centre (old school), Killygordon, on Thursday, February 12, at 8 pm.
Copies of all plans and documents submitted to Donegal County Council in relation to the project will be available for inspection from 7 pm.
More than 100 people attended an information day, organised by the developers, in Ballybofey, before Christmas, at which details were unveiled of the proposals.
The developers estimate the total electricity generating output from the proposed Carrickaduff Windfarm would be 105 MW, making it Ireland’s largest onshore wind farm.
The current largest wind farm in the country, Meentycat, between Drumkeen and Stranorlar, generates 84 MW.
If the wind farm goes ahead, the developers claim the local community would benefit from a special fund worth €3 million over the 25 year lifespan of the turbines.
However, opinion was divided among those who attended the pre-Christmas event.
Further details on the project can be viewed at www.carrickaduffwindfarm.com
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)