January 2004

Council Says No To Windfarm on Lough Foyle

Derry City Council have opposed the proposed location of a windfarm off the Inishowen Peninsula. A consortium of energy companies is planning to build a windfarm off the north coast - in an area known as "Tunes Plateau" (which is an area of outstanding beauty) This area stretches between Inishowen and the Causeway coast near Portstewart. They have indicated that the development would incorporate up to 85 wind turbines - each 295 foot in height with a rotor span of 390 foot. This would all be visible from the mainland.

Mr Ashley Moore, a deputation group spokesperson, said that while society had an obligation to support renewable energy, it also had a duty to protect this unique site from environmental damage and commercial exploitation. Locating the windfarm within the Tunes Plateau, he said could have a detrimental impact on tourism, local business, the environment, beaches and wildlife. He also said the coast was the lifeblood of the local economy, accounting for some 7000 jobs in tourism and with an annual income in excess of £120 million. He said that alternative sites existed and should be examined.

The DUP's Mildred Garfield branded the proposed windfarm an eyesore. "While supporting plans to increase the use of renewable energy, it cannot be at any cost". Mary Bradley of the SDLP said "the location of the windfarm so close to the mainland would only spoil a beautiful coastline". Gerry MacLochlainn of Sinn Fein, said that while his party was committed to renewable energy it was opposed to the Tunes Plateau plan. It would be obtrusive and too close to the coastal environment. Something more discreet would be required - definitely further from the shore and there were probably sites proven to be better around the coast of Ireland, and that the entire energy issue - renewable and otherwise - should be looked at on an all-Ireland basis.

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