“Day two of the An Bord Pleanála oral hearing into the proposed 24-wind turbine development in Longford took place at the Longford Arms Hotel, June 13, with submissions made from opposition to the development.
First to conclude a submission made yesterday was environmental consultant, Jack O’Sullivan, who spoke in depth on the alternative and more beneficial uses of peatlands, rather than the development in question. Mr O’ Sullivan spoke of the importance of peatlands as carbon sinks in their natural wet state and he also said the current management of the peatlands is not sustainable.
Pointing to the recent report on climate change from the joint Oireachtas committee on climate change, Mr O’ Sullivan said, ‘The problem is now so serious, we have a national emergency’.
He then pointed to the benefits of the proposed Mid-Shannon Wilderness park, while also proposing the development of a museum to store and preserve peat extraction machines, which he says will soon become a part of local history.
In conclusion, Mr O’ Sullivan cited the comparison made from Bord na Móna (BnM) representatives to the wind turbine heights and St Mel’s cathedral spire and said, “Large scale wind power is not the way to meet renewable energy targets”.
The second submission was made on behalf of local man John Kiernan. John requested a declaration of financial donations from Bord na Mona in relation to payments made to various organisations in connection to the project. He also called for statutory inspection to be made mandatory for projects such as the proposed wind farm.”
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