Marie Scanlon of the Finn Valley Wind Action group expresses her dismay on the lodgement of a pre application consultation for Planree Ltd. with An Bord Pleanala in relation to the proposed billion-Euro wind farm in Carrickaduff, which may be opened as soon as December 2017.
The legality of the grid connection itself is called into question by Finn Valley Wind Action.
A Facebook page which is supported by over 1,000 people was made by concerned locals in Donegal who opposed the plans for the wind farm. They are investigating the impact a wind farm may have on the local community from Castlefin, through the Finn Valley, Mourne Derg and on to Barnesmore Gap.
Marie said; “Although we disclosed a few weeks ago that we believed a new application was imminent, we are disappointed to learn that Planree Ltd have lodged a pre application consultation with An Bord Pleanala with a view to a renewed application in the area.”
“This comes closely followed by incredible revelations in the press in the last week over claims made by Mr Noel Shortt, a Derry businessman, in an Oxford Court of a mystery windfarm development in Donegal.”
“On the court record, in defence of a business associate facing a jail term for motoring offences, Mr Shortt claimed that 35,000 acres had been acquired from 100 farmers and that a billion euro windfarm project in Donegal was at risk.”
“This story created great worry and speculation particularly in the Finn Valley area yet during the week both DCC and ABP have denied any knowledge of this project.”
“In the penultimate stages of Planree’s initial planning process we learned that Planree had acquired a grid connection from a previously refused windfarm in West Donegal. We have reason to believe that serious questions hang over the transfer and legality of this grid connection.”
“We have subsequently learned that Cuilfeach Teoranta of which Mr Shortt was a director was the company involved in the transfer of the grid connection in West Donegal to Carrickaduff.”
“Too many unanswered questions lie around how the grid connection was obtained and indeed the parties involved in the transfer which may question its validity. More transparency is required and we are asking for a full disclosure of the facts including, the location of this wind farm disclosed by Mr Shortt in the Oxford Court and what connection Planree have to this if any.”
“Due to the effect this development would have the local community we call for a full investigation be carried out by the relevant authorities.”
“Finn Valley Wind Action group remain committed to opposing any development that would have any effect on the daily lives and amenities of the local residents of the Finn Valley area.”
