Public meeting in Lissan near Cookstown over wind farm plan

The meeting will be held in Lissan Parish Hall on Claggan Road on tonight, (Thursday, June 25) at 8pm and will allow residents the chance to gain more information about the development.

“Local residents are completely devastated at the prospect of this wind farm being sited so close to our homes,” said one homeowner in the area.

“These wind turbines would be 126.5 metres high and the closest one will be 650 metres from the nearest home, with several other homes within the next 300 metres. In Scotland the guidelines are that a wind farm must be sited at least 2 kms from the closest settlement.

“We are aware of the noise and pollution associated with wind turbines and this problem will be compounded as all homes in Ballynagilly are located downwind of the proposed farm.”

A spokesperson for Island Renewable who are leading the development, said, “The proposed development for the wind farm at Balynagilly Road is consistent with policies and best guidance practises for renewable energy projects within Northern Ireland.

“Whilst the proposed project is not being located in Davagh we would welcome the opportunity to engage with recreational and competition groups to ensure that there is the minimum of disruption to cycling and other recreational activities during the construction phase.

“As part of our commitment to engaging with the local community we have already hosted a public information event to raise awareness of the project. In addition to the event itself we provided attendees with information leaflets and almost 150 letters were sent via post to the most immediate homes in the area.

“During the event we also provided feedback forms and have committed to responding to any queries within a matter of weeks.”