BYC.J.MCGINLEY
THE developers behind plans to erect six wind turbines on the outskirts of Letterkenny have claimed their proposal satisfies all current legislation and guidelines.
Five local farmers plan to build the turbines stradling four townlands in the Ballymaleel area close to the Silver Tassie Hotel. However, some locals have expressed concerns about the plans citing proximity to houses, noise levels and the fact they will spoil the beauty of the area.
However, in a statement released through Killybegs firm Rockall Renwables on Tuesday the farmers claim their plans meet all guidelines and were only submitted after a detailed Environmental Impact Statement was carried out in the area.
A public meeting has been called for next Thursday night (November 30) in the Silver Tassie for concerned locals to discuss the impact of the 65 metres high turbines which will be located in the townlands of Ballybocurragh, Loughagannon, Drumnaskea and Newtownfore.
Columba O'Donnell is one of the locals opposed to the plans.
"My main concern is the close proximity of the turbines to existing houses. Some would be less than 300 metres from houses in the area. The turbines are meant to be 500 metres apart but here some are just 300 metres apart," he said.
"For health and safety reasons and the fact they would spoil an area of high scenic value I'm opposed to the plans. A lot of locals are also against them but are reluctant to come out publicly. Therefore I have called a public meeting to allow a full and frank debate about the plans," Mr O'Donnell added.
Up to forty people, including the five farmers who are planning to build the turbines, attended a public meeting last Thursday night in the Silver Tassie.
"I felt a lot more people could have attended but there are local sensitivies and while people have told me they're opposed to the plans they don't want to come out and show their hands yet. A lot of these people have bought sites from the farmers who are planning to build the turbines and don't want to get involved," he said.
"The farmers have warned that if they don't get the go ahead a multi national company is interested in buying them and developing the turbines. This will mean they'll be riding rough shod over local people," Mr O'Donnell added.
In the statement Rockall Renewables said a detailed and comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement had been submitted with the planning application to Donegal County Council concerning the proposal.
"The landowners are more than happy to meet the opponents to resolve any outstanding issues," the spokesman said.
