SWWAG ‘appalled’ by appeal

A PLANNING appeal lodged in relation to a proposed South Wicklow windfarm has been met with disappointment by members of the local community.

News that ABO Wind Ireland Ltd has appealed a refusal by Wicklow County Council for a new development of up to 11 wind turbines across South Wicklow has prompted a renewed concern throughout the district that the rural landscape could be irrevocably damaged.

‘We are appalled, disappointed but quite frankly not surprised by ABO’s action,’ a spokesperson for South Wicklow Wind Action Group (SWWAG) said. ‘ They have proved yet again that they care nothing for the community’s wishes. Health will be put at risk due to possible exposure to infrasound/low frequency sound as well as audible noise. People’s homes will be devalued and some will become unsaleable. Environment will be damaged and rural tourism will decline.’

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil TD Pat Casey has accused ABO Wind Ireland Ltd of displaying ‘corporate greed’ and has called on An Bord Pleanála to ‘defend the rural landscape and heritage of South Wicklow’.

‘ This is the second application by this company against the wishes of the communities living in South Wicklow. For ABO windfarm to continue to press ahead with its plans against the wishes of the communities, against the unanimous views of local politicians, and against the professional judgement of qualified planners within Wicklow County Council is truly disgusting.

At a packed public meeting in Aughrim earlier this year, SWWAG and its supporters launched a fundraising campaign for cover the cost of legal action, should the refusal be overturned by An Bord Pleanála.