Nolan pledges support to Lemanaghan wind farm protesters
Independent TD Carol Nolan has said she will continue to strongly advocate for the Lemanaghan community and its supporters’ following confirmation from Bord na Mona that it means to proceed with the development of a highly controversial planning application that will result in the construction of up to 15, 220 meters high wind turbines on the archaeologically important bog in northwest Offaly.
Deputy Nolan was speaking after attending a protest by the Lemanaghan Bog Heritage and Conservation Group, during which it handed over a letter opposing the development to Bord na Mona representatives in Ballycumber village.
The Independent TD, who has been a consistent supporter of the objectives of the Lemanaghan Bog Heritage and Conservation Group, has previously described the proposed wind farm as tantamount to archaeological vandalism of the worst kind.
“Despite thousands of written objections; despite clear opposition by the local community and despite abundant evidence of the potential for long term and irreversible archaeological damage, Bord na Mona and its partners SSE Renewables have decided to proceed with this project,” said Deputy Nolan.
“I find this deeply alarming and indeed symptomatic of a wider general contempt for communities that is taking root across the country, irrespective of the issues involved.”
“I found it absurd and almost laughable when Bord na Móna and SSE Renewables informed me earlier this month that “the joint venture partnership is fully committed to continuing to inform and engage with you and the local community through an active communication programme.”
“This kind of meaningless verbiage appears deliberately designed to conceal complete industrial indifference to local communities and I for one will not stand back and tolerate that.”
“I will continue to do all that I can to shine a light on this unwanted and unloved planning application and I will certainly work to ensure that the voices of local communities, such as Lemanaghan are heard,” Deputy Nolan concluded.