Green light for Lemanaghan wind monitoring mast

Bord na Móna has been granted planning permission for the construction of a wind monitoring mast at Lemanaghan Bog, Kilnagoolny, despite an objection from locals who expressed the view that Offaly now appears to be “a dumping ground for turbines”.

The permission was granted by Offaly County Council to Bord na Móna Powergen Ltd for the mast with instruments, up to 100 metres in height. The purpose of the mast is to assess the suitability of the company's adjacent lands for wind farm development at Lemanaghan Bog.
In an objection, signed by four local residents, several concerns were expressed, including a fear that the structure would create a visual intrusion in a quiet country area.
In their decision, the council's planners were of the view that subject to conditions, “the proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity and will be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.
One of the conditions is that the permission will be valid for five years after the mast is constructed, after which time it will be removed and the site reinstated unless its continued use or a revised structure is allowed through future planning permission.
Bord na Móna is to notify the Irish Aviation Authority in writing at least 30 days before the mast is constructed.
Another condition attached to the planning permission is that the developer should employ an archaeologist to monitor the removal of soil associated with the development. If archaeological material is found during the monitoring, work may be stopped, pending a decision on how best to deal with the archaeology. “The developer shall be prepared to be advised by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht with regard to any necessary mitigating action and shall facilitate the archaeologist in recording any material found,” stated the planners, in their decision.
The four residents who objected have addresses in Ballinahown. In their letter of objection they stated: “There is no man-made structure of this size within many miles; therefore, such a structure is totally alien to the surrounding area.
“For this particular mast over 100 cubic metres of stone will be required for the foundation. There will also be cranes and other heavy machinery. All this will have a direct effect on already poor roads, not to mention pollution of the area and disturbance to traffic,” they stated.
They also expressed the view that the mast will be in the direct flight path of many birds. “For example when ducks eat in the cornfields they will fly back to the bog for water. Swans, sparrow hawk, barn owls, harriers and bats will also be at risk with the galvanized steel wires anchoring the mast,” they wrote.
They also stated that there are several residents, farms and businesses in the area being monitored, adding that Offaly is appearing to become a “dumping ground” for turbines.
The submission added: “Ireland is jumping on the bandwagon when it comes to wind energy. No guidelines have been decided by the government as of yet, but rural Ireland is being invaded by them. In 10 years' time, if not sooner, this country will be looking back with regrets, the same as we did after the Celtic Tiger.”