TD to lodge objection against Lemanaghan Bog wind farm plan
Independent TD for Offaly TD Carol Nolan has said she is formally lodging an objection against planning permission for a proposed wind farm on Lemanaghan Bog.
In a statement today, she welcomed the recent significant show of support at a public meeting that demonstrated ongoing and widespread local opposition to the proposed 15-turbine wind farm on Lemanaghan Bog.
The wind farm is planned for a site between Doon, Ballycumber and Ferbane.
Deputy Nolan, who said she has consistently opposed the development since its earliest stages, said the large turnout at The Granary in Boher, Ballycumber, reflects deep community concern over the project’s potential impact on heritage, environment, health, and quality of life.
“I have stood with the people of Lemanaghan from the very beginning against these reckless and ill-conceived proposal coming from Bord na Móna and SSE,” said Deputy Nolan.
“I have also repeatedly voiced my concerns in the Dáil and at public events about the threat this massive industrial development poses to our unique heritage, including sites linked to Clonmacnoise.”
It is reported that the proposed turbines, each standing at 220 metres, would be the tallest in Ireland, and would dominate the landscape, with significant shadow flicker affecting up to 157 homes within 1.5km, noise and infrasound issues, heavy goods vehicle disruption on unsuitable bog roads, and risks to local water sources.
Deputy Nolan has highlighted these issues alongside the community’s legitimate fears regarding impacts on physical and mental health, livestock, property values, and the liveability of the area:
Deputy Nolan has actively supported the Lemanaghan Bog Heritage & Conservation Group’s campaign, attending protests, meeting with residents, and helping amplify their voices.
She has joined locals in handing letters of opposition directly to Bord na Móna representatives and continues to engage with councillors and officials:
“I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Lemanaghan community and the broader Offaly public who are united in opposing this project. Their campaign is rooted in facts and a deep commitment to protecting our shared heritage for future generations,” Deputy Nolan stated.
To further bolster the campaign, Deputy Nolan has said she will be submitting a formal notification of her objection to An Coimisiún Pleanála this morning, urging the planning authority to give full weight to the overwhelming local opposition, the heritage and environmental protections required, and the inadequacies of the current 2006 Wind Energy Guidelines. The deadline for public submission is 5.30pm today.
“Communities like Lemanaghan deserve real protection, not token consultation. I will continue to advocate strongly at every level to ensure their voices are heard and this damaging proposal is rejected,” she concluded.