Community in north Mayo voice wind farm proposal concerns at meeting

A packed public meeting in Geesala has underlined deep community concern over a major wind farm proposal for the Muingmore area in north Mayo, with local representatives and residents questioning both the scale of the project and the level of engagement by its developers.

The meeting, hosted by Rural West Environmentalists (RWE - Rural West Environmentalists, not the wind farm developer), drew a 'full house' of residents from across the affected areas. TD Rose Conway-Walsh and Councillor Gerry Coyle attended and listened to detailed concerns about the proposed 13-turbine wind farm, which locals fear would significantly alter the landscape and quality of life in scenic Erris, Muingmore, Bellmullet and Blacksod Bay.

Erris Chamber of Commerce president Brian Bakeberg told the meeting that the absence of the developers, RWE Renewables, made it extremely difficult for the community to fully understand the plans or have questions answered in an open forum.

Speakers and residents voiced particular alarm about the impact on protected species, especially the established otter families whose habitat lies directly within the proposed development area along local rivers and drains, and who are protected under both Irish and EU law.

There is also deep concern about deer that live in the neighbouring forest earmarked for access roads and turbine works, with locals fearing displacement, habitat fragmentation and increased road collisions as construction traffic intensifies.

Protected birds and the destruction of their flight paths as they come in with the wind and leave in the same direction, which would be directly into the turbine blades, is another concern.

Speakers highlighted that the project would require extensive works on the surrounding peat and bogland, risking drainage, erosion and permanent destruction of a sensitive carbon-rich landscape that currently acts as a vital natural sponge for water and a store for greenhouse gases.

There was strong consensus in the room that, once the formal planning application is lodged, the community will respond in a structured and organised way. It was agreed that a series of clinics will be held to help any resident who wishes to prepare and submit observations or objections, ensuring that no one is excluded because of lack of time, information or technical know-how.

Rural West Environmentalists have already visited over 600 homes in the vicinity and discussed this development in depth and also left informational brochures, helping to ensure that households are informed about both planning procedures and environmental implications.

Attendees also expressed frustration at suggestions that the developer’s own community session would be held in Belmullet during working hours. Residents pointed out that Belmullet is more than 15 km from the proposed site, while Geesala - under 1 km from the closest planned turbine - would be far more accessible for those most directly affected.

Speakers stressed that local people are not opposed to fair and balanced discussion, but want meaningful, face-to-face engagement.

The meeting closed with a clear message that the community intends to stay organised, informed and visible as the project progresses, and will be waiting for the submission to be made so that they can react accordingly, including robustly raising wildlife, forest and bogland concerns in the planning process.