Sliabh Bán (or Slieve Bawn) is a small but highly significant mountain set among the lakes and bogs of Co. Roscommon

Press Release - 31 march 2012

Dismay at An Bord Pleanála’s Decision on Sliabh Bán Wind Farm

The Sliabh Bán Community Group has said that many people had contacted their committee to say that they were shocked and dismayed by An Bord Pleanála’s decision to grant full planning permission for twenty wind turbines and three masts to be built on Sliabh Bán, Co. Roscommon’s highest peak.

Most people were concerned about the height of the turbines, which will be taller than the Spire in Dublin, and much higher than any other wind turbines built in Co. Roscommon. They were concerned that nearby homes will be impacted by the noise of the turbines, shadow flicker, and the visual disturbance of large industrial structures.

Many people were upset because permission was also granted for a new microwave mast to be built on Sliabh Bán, particularly as An Bord Pleanála had refused planning permission for a similar mast to be built on the mountain in 2003. Local residents are very concerned about the impact of microwave radiation from the new mast on people living in nearby homes.

People also raised concerns about the likelihood of the wind farm development being sold on to a large corporate investor. They were fearful that the developer, Coillte, will be sold by the government, and that a new commercial owner will stop the mountain being used by walkers and other recreational users.

Many felt frustrated with our own planning and political system. They could not believe that unelected planners could grant planning permission for the wind farm development, despite a unanimous vote by Roscommon County Councillors opposing the wind farm development and Roscommon TDs also not supporting the proposal. People were wondering what the point was in electing County Councillors if they had, in reality, no effective power.

The issue was raised that our own planning system continues to give permission for wind farm developments using out-dated legislation and guidelines. Most countries are now moving to protect peoples human rights by increasing the minimum distance a large wind turbine can be from people’s homes to two kilometres. Our current guidelines state that 500 metres is the minimum distance a turbine has to be from a family home, and from the distance wind turbines can be clearly audible and are highly visible. Senator John Kelly is introducing legislation to the Dáil increasing the minimum distance in Ireland to 1500 metres. If that legislation was in place now the proposed wind farm on Sliabh Bán could not be built.

Concerns were also raised about the economic viability of wind farm developments. Other countries such as the United Kingdom are soon to be slashing the subsidies on wind farms because of the impact these subsidies have on electricity prices. Denmark with the most wind turbines in Europe has one of the highest electricity prices in Europe, and much of their wind-produced electricity is exported to neighbouring countries at below cost price.

It was pointed that there is now compelling evidence questioning the green credentials of wind energy. Denmark has not been able to close one fossil fuel power plant, because of the intermittent nature of wind generated electricity. They need their conventional power plants to run, constantly turning them on and off, to make up for the 70% of the time when the wind is not blowing. Like a car having to stop and start on a city road, their conventional power plants are forced to run inefficiently and expensively.

Some people questioned whether greenhouse gases are being reduced at all, when wind energy is being supported by fossil fuel power plants that aren't operating at their optimum efficiency. It was felt that no one involved in the wind industry is prepared to face this reality as, like the subsidies that supported the construction industry during the boom years, Irish consumers subvention for wind energy keeps the developers, the bankers and the semi-state companies all happily making money.

The Sliabh Bán Committee wanted to stress the importance of continuing with the programme of events for Sliabh Bán despite An Bord Pleanála’s decision. The annual Sliabh Bán Pilgrimage will be held as planned for Easter Monday. Everybody is welcome to come along, and the two to three hour walk starts at Curraghroe Church on the R371 at 2pm. The walk will end at Lissonuffy or Frank’s pub on the western side of the mountain. Transport will be provided at a small cost back to people’s cars. The walk will be an opportunity for people to experience the wonderful views of the fourteen Irish Counties that can be seen from Sliabh Bán.

The committee has decided on a date for a public meeting to allow people to decide what further action can be taken to protect Roscommon’s landmark mountain. The public meeting is planned for Thursday 19th April in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown.


Mike de Jong
Chairperson
Sliabh Bán Community Group

Aghaclogher
Strokestown
Co. Roscommon
0879143834
 

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For more info phone the Sliabh Bán Community Group on 089 434 5731
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