Local windfarm opponents stage protest at Ballinahown event
Bellair Bog Community Group and Lemanaghan Bog and Heritage Group gathered outside Ballinahown Hall recently to stage a peaceful protest during Bord na Móna's Community Engagement Evening.
Organisers say the events were designed to highlight concerns over the proposed wind farm developments and the unprecedented height of the turbines being considered.
Residents, local families, and supporters assembled to voice their opposition to turbines of up to 220 metres in height, which they argue would dramatically alter the landscape surrounding Bellair Hill and its historic surroundings.
Protesters also carried banners and placards expressing concerns about the scale of the proposals and their potential impact on one of the Midlands' most significant heritage landscapes including Lemanaghan.
Bellair Wind Farm is a proposed 80-90MW project being co-developed by partners BnM and SSE on BnM bogs near to Ballinahown, Ballycumber, Castledaly, Moate and Tubber.
The developers say the project “builds on the area's long tradition of energy generation, harnessing wind resources to provide homes and businesses with renewable electricity while supporting economic activity in the region”.
Bellair Wind Farm’s latest plans comprise 12 wind turbines with an overall maximum tip height of 220 metres. It is expected that a planing application for the project will be lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála in 2027.
The planning commission is currently assessing a planning application by Lemanaghan Wind Farm Designated Activity Company, a venture involving BnM and SSE, for a proposed 15-turbine wind farm on Lemanaghan Bog.
The wind farm is planned for a site between Doon, Ballycumber and Ferbane.
A second major wind farm is now being proposed in close proximity to Lemanaghan Wind Farm, for which a planning application has already been lodged. Both groups are deeply concerned about the cumulative impact of two large-scale wind farm developments in this relatively small rural area and what this could mean for its communities, landscape and rich heritage.
If both proposals proceed, this relatively small rural area could be faced with 27 turbines, each reaching up to 220 metres in height.
Bellair Bog Community Group and Lemanaghan Bog and Heritage Group said they will continue to strongly oppose the proposed Bellair and Lemanaghan wind farm developments and advocate for the protection of our communities, landscape and heritage for future generations.
A central focus of the demonstration was the potential impact on Bellair Hill and Bellair House, both of which are recognised for their historical, architectural, and cultural importance. Community representatives contend that the protections afforded to these heritage assets must be fully respected and considered in any future planning application.
A spokesperson for the Bellair and Lemanaghan Groups said: "This protest was about ensuring that local voices are heard. We believe turbines of 220 metres represent an unprecedented scale of development for this area and would have a profound impact on the landscape, heritage, and character of Bellair Hill and its surroundings. The protections associated with Bellair House and the wider heritage setting must be given the highest consideration."
The groups expressed disappointment that developments of such a scale are being considered in close proximity to a landscape that holds significant historical and environmental value for local communities. They are calling for greater transparency throughout the planning process and for comprehensive assessments of visual, heritage, environmental, and community impacts.
While acknowledging the importance of renewable energy and Ireland's transition to a low-carbon future, protesters stressed that they are seeking a balanced approach that protects local heritage and respects the concerns of residents.
Throughout the evening, demonstrators engaged respectfully with members of the public attending the Bord na Móna engagement event and encouraged residents to review the project information carefully and participate fully in the consultation process.
The Bellair and Lemanaghan Groups thanked all those who attended the protest and reiterated their commitment to advocating for the protection of Bellair Hill, Bellair House, and the surrounding landscape for future generations.