Lemanaghan heritage group mount protest outside Aras an Chontae

A protest by the Lemanaghan Bog Heritage and Conservation group took place outside Aras an Chontae on Monday July 21.

The group were objecting to a proposal by Bord na Mona to develop a wind farm on what they say is ''sacred land.''

Aoife Phelan PRO, said there is ''huge historical and architectural value in the bog and the cultural landscape. It is unsuitable to a wind farm. Lemanaghen bog is one of the richest architectural wetlands in all of Ireland and Europe. To think you should dig it up and fill it with cement to produce energy is unthinkable for the locals. We have much bigger plans for the bogs, for archaeology and tourism combined. There is so much more we can do in terms of diversity and heritage for this area.''

The proposal is still at the pre-planning stage. The Lemanaghan group has been objecting for a long number of years.

''It started in 2020. We are left with very little information from Bord na Mona, Public consultation events were by appointment only. You had to go in and speak to people individually. We had called for a large public gathering. We invited them (Bord na Mona). We said we will provide a venue but we wanted everyone in one room, where everyone heard the same thing where it's open and transparent and they have refused to do that,'' said Aoife.

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The Lemanaghan group later attended the monthly meeting to hear Councillor Sean O'Brien's motion seeking an immediate publication of updated guidelines in relation to large scale wind energy developments in Ireland.

All of the councillors were in agreement with the motion and a lengthy debate took place. Cathaoirleach Councillor John Leahy said a letter should be written to the Minister clarifying the matter forthwith.

More on the meeting later