Opposition growing to Mayo wind farm proposal

The Erris Action Group has written to Failte Ireland, Mayo County Council, National Parks Wildlife, Udaras na Gaeltacht and Oireachtas members over a proposed wind farm at Muingmore, Kilcommin.

In his letter, Brian Bakeberg, chairman of the group, stated: "I am reaching out to to bring your attention to a matter of great concern - the proposed wind farm development by RWE in the picturesque area of Muingmore, nestled along Mayo's northwest coastline on the doorstep of local communities.

"We firmly believe that your support is crucial in safeguarding the natural beauty and pristine environment of Muingmore.

"This proposed wind farm development poses a significant threat to the delicate ecosystem, tranquillity, and overall aesthetics of the area.

"Less than 1km from the Gaeltacht village of Geesala in the Erris Gaeltacht region

"By joining forces with concerned individuals like yourself, we can make a powerful stand against this development.

"Together, we can protect our beloved community and preserve it for future generations.

"We are not opposed to wind energy, we are opposed to it being in this area of vast beauty and within 1km of Geesala, Mount Jubilee communities."

The main points in the letter are as follows:

"The proliferation of any development poses a potential threat to Ireland's tourism industry.

"Tourists are increasingly seeking wild, unspoilt landscapes, and a recent survey conducted in Scotland revealed that turbines are making the region a less appealing place to visit.

"The majority of respondents expressed a preference for buffer zones around areas of outstanding beauty and favoured accommodation without a wind farm view.

"It is imperative that we protect the internationally recognised Wild Atlantic Way, a €100 million tourist route, from inappropriate and intrusive development.

"The significant resources invested by the government, communities, and Failte Ireland in building the West Coast tourism industry should not be in vain.

"This region contains low-lying islands and peninsulas with diverse topography and land cover characteristics.

"The area's coastal vistas, smooth terrain, low vegetation, and prominent ridge lines make it unsuitable for wind farm development.

"The preservation of these natural linear features and the unbroken landscape is crucial due to their significant contribution to the area's character and identity."