A view of the southern rim of Gougane Barra which is set to be the location of a controversial new windfarm.

‘Join us in this fight’

A local development group is set to challenge the permission granted to build a wind farm overlooking one of the most scenic areas of West Cork.

An Bord Pleanála gave the green light to a controversial €30m wind farm project last month after it had been refused planning permission by Cork County Council because of the negative impact on scenic landscape.

The project had also been advised against by An Bord Pleanála’s own planning inspector who said it would have a significant adverse environmental and visual impact and is not sustainable at such a highly sensitive location.

The planned development would involve the construction of the biggest wind turbines ever proposed for county Cork at 178.5m, over three times the height of County Hall.

Following legal advice, local community members have decided to apply to the High Court for judicial review of this controversial decision through the local Ballingeary development group, Coiste Forbartha Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh CLG.

The decision to go to the High Court comes on foot of wide scale opposition to the shock decision by An Bord Pleanála to overturn Cork County Council’s refusal of the proposal.

Opposition to the project reflects a range of views, including from those who support wind energy but are appalled by what has been described as the “erosion of public trust”.

In order to proceed with this case, campaign organisers say a substantial fighting fund will have to be raised in the next two weeks for an estimated sum of €95,000.

Campaign spokesman, Neil Lucey of the Gougane Barra Hotel, said: “Raising this amount of money is a difficult challenge for a small community. We invite everyone touched by the magic of Gougane Barra to join us in this fight to preserve it by making a contribution to the cause, no matter how small.

“If we exceed our goal, any excess funds will be used to enhance the community in the locality of Gougane Barra, for the residents and the many visitors who come here every year to share this haven with us.

“As the ancient Irish proverb goes: ‘Ní neart go chur le chéile’ – there is no strength without unity.”