Is it right that a small number of people should make substantial financial gain from development that impacts so greatly on their neighbours and the surrounding landscape? Is it right that the Council should permit it? I think not, but your readers should judge for themselves as it is very likely that this type of development will be before the planning department very soon again.

I WOULD be grateful if you would print this letter by way of informing your readers of a development that could take place in their immediate neighbourhood - unless they take positive steps to prevent it.

The three wind turbines installed at Lacken / Quigabar dominate the skyline - a skyline that, prior to the installation, was noted for its beautiful views over Killala Bay.

It is hard to understand how Sligo County Council's planning department could have allowed this development to take place - this same Council is known to be very particular in other areas: size and shape of windows, height and pitch of roof, etc.

This development could hardly be described as ‘in keeping with the surrounding area'. It is a major intrusion on the everyday lives of the local residents who cannot go outside their door without being struck by the huge visual impact of the turbines during daylight hours and at night a bright red light marks their location.

The sale of at least one house and the construction of another within the locality has been aborted due to this development.

The wind turbines are presumably part of the council's wish to be seen to promote green energy. However, wind turbines are unproven as an economic source of energy. In other European countries where they have been in use for some years they have proven to be as unreliable as the wind they rely on and they use vast quantities of energy to have them installed - in excess of 1,000 tonnes of cement (= 1,000 tonnes of carbon) per turbine.

In Europe the only reason there is a rush to install them is the financial gain available to companies promoting them and to the landowners. And they get paid even when the wind is not blowing.

Is it right that a small number of people should make substantial financial gain from development that impacts so greatly on their neighbours and the surrounding landscape? Is it right that the Council should permit it? I think not, but your readers should judge for themselves as it is very likely that this type of development will be before the planning department very soon again.

The three wind turbines at Lacken / Quigabar are said to be the beginning of a larger development planned for the area and no doubt many similar developments are planned for other parts of the North West coastline.

People in other areas where such development is proposed should visit Lacken / Quigabar - approx seven miles from Easkey going towards Enniscrone and see the turbines towering over the landscape. The people themselves will have to prevent other such inappropriate development taking place because the County Council cannot be relied on.

Disgusted former resident of turbine view.

Web link: http://www.sligoweekender.ie/news/story.asp?j=3329...