Mayo town centre shut down by huge wind turbine blades

CASTLEBAR town centre was shut down to traffic earlier today to accommodate the transportation of gigantic wind turbines blades to a local wind farm.

In a major operation coordinated by the Garda Traffic Division, the operation set out from Galway Port at 2 a.m. this morning.

Involving a number of specially-designed transportation trucks owned by Donegal firm Daytona Heavy Haulage, the convoy passed through a number of Mayo towns, including Ballindine, Claremorris and Balla before arriving at Breaffy Road in Castlebar shortly after 4 a.m.

Accompanied by a garda escort, it proceeded via Moneen, St. Martin's Terrace, Springfield and Charles Street before negotiating Lucan Street where a number of trees had been removed to facilitate the challenge of turning at a sharp bend.

The blades then headed up Linenhall Street, Tucker Street and Gallows Hill en route to Derrynadivva, near Glenisland, via Rathbawn Road.

Despite the early hour, a number of local people turned out to witness the spectacular sight, including intrepid photographer Alison Laredo.

Earlier in the night local gardaì had erected signs and bollards in the town centre to prevent overnight street parking along the route and ensure a smooth passage for the convoy.

Similar night-time operations are expected to take place on seven more nights over the coming weeks to facilitate further deliveries to the Castlebar wind farm.

The developers have carried out some minor improvements works to the road near Derrynadivva to provide a more level surface for the hauling stage.