Mayo's wind energy community benefit policy faces criticism from election candidate

Ten years have passed since Mayo County Council adopted the nation's first community benefit policy for wind energy.

This ground-breaking initiative was initially hailed as a significant step forward for local communities.

However, the journey since its adoption has failed to support community groups across the county, according to Independent local election candidate Brendan Lavelle.

Lavelle stated: “It is no secret that developers of wind farms, particularly state-owned developers, have consistently opposed paying community benefits at rates comparable to those in the UK and EU.

"This opposition has resulted in Mayo County Council negotiating a significantly lower rate for the Mayo project, despite the region's notably high wind strength and the increased demand for electricity following the invasion of Ukraine.”

“The funds generated by this policy, intended to support local communities, appear to have been poorly managed”, Lavelle stated.

"This mismanagement has sparked frustration and disappointment among residents and local leaders alike."

Castlebar municipal district candidate Brendan Lavelle has voiced strong criticism of the current agreement, which taxes wind farms at a mere 3% of their production for only 15 years.

Lavelle advocates for a more substantial and prolonged contribution, calling for wind farms to be taxed at 3% for the entirety of their operational duration.

He argues that this tax should be dedicated exclusively to community projects, with a particular focus on those directly impacted by the infrastructure.

Lavelle's stance has resonated with many, who believe that the communities bearing the brunt of wind farm developments deserve more substantial support.

As local elections approach, the debate over wind energy benefits and their management is likely to intensify.

With the anniversary of the community benefit policy serving as a reflective milestone, many in Mayo are questioning whether the current arrangements are truly serving the best interests of the local community, he added.