North Mayo action group say wind farm proposal threatens tourism and local livelihoods
THE scenic Barony of Erris, long cherished as a gem on the Wild Atlantic Way, faces a looming threat that could devastate its hard-earned reputation as a premier tourist destination, a local action group say.
The proposed Muingmore Wind Farm, backed by RWE Renewables, promises green energy and economic benefits but some in the community fear it will irreparably harm the natural environment and local economy dependent on tourism.
RWE plan to construct 13 wind turbines, each up to 180 metres tall, in the townlands of Muingmore and Doolough.
A robust formal objection has been drawn up by the Erris Action Group who say they are not opposed to wind energy but are opposed to the destruction of the community and the bedrock of their livelihoods.
The development sits within a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC), rich in sensitive habitats such as seagrass beds and maerl reefs - vital fish nurseries and biodiversity hotspots that the group says face certain destruction due to the project.
Scientific evidence, a spokesperson said, warns that the planned peat excavation and ensuing sediment discharge will suffocate these fragile ecosystems, undermining both biodiversity and carbon storage capabilities, turning this 'green' project into a 'carbon bomb'.
Beyond environmental concerns, the objection highlights a socio-economic toll.
Erris’s primary industry - tourism - depends on the raw, unspoiled landscapes and peaceful ambiance that define its unique appeal. The visual impact of industrial-sized turbines towering over the natural terrain 'would shatter the sense of place and wildness', potentially driving tourists away and threatening countless local businesses reliant on visitor spending.
Local residents must also face the health consequences of constant noise pollution and shadow flicker from the turbines, documented elsewhere to cause sleep disturbances and increased stress.
Erris Action Group says the community fears an unbalanced trade-off: a few euros of community funds cannot compensate for lost property values, degraded health, and the destruction of a cherished way of life.
Compounding this local struggle is a worrying precedent. The nearby Oweninny (Bellacorick) Wind Farm was recently out of operation due to faulty grid infrastructure - not a lack of wind - yet still incurred costs borne by taxpayers. There is growing concern that Muingmore could suffer a similar fate, wasting public money without delivering promised benefits.
While a similar issue caused the wind farm to shut down, wind farms that are unable to produce energy due to market rules or curtailment (a planned reduction in output) still receive payments from the government under certain programmes like the Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS).
A statement by Erris Action Group said: 'This is a decisive moment for all who value Erris’s heritage and future. As the Wild Atlantic Way faces this unwelcome intrusion, residents, businesses, and visitors alike must stand united and say enough. The safeguarding of Erris demands that planning authorities reject this proposal and defend the landscape, environment, and economy of a community that relies on its natural beauty.
'The battle for Erris is not just a local issue; it echoes wider debates on sustainable development and community rights in the face of industrial-scale projects.
'Erris stands at a crossroads - it is time for everyone who cares about the Barony and the Wild Atlantic Way to raise their voices for protection, preservation, and true sustainability.'
The Erris Action Group’s call is for planning authorities to reject the Muingmore Wind Farm application outright to protect the community's health, environment, and economy from irreversible damage. They emphasise the need for development that truly respects Erris's unique heritage and natural assets.
Residents and stakeholders concerned about the project are encouraged to raise their voices by submitting objections to the Erris Chamber at info@errischamber.ie.