... developing Ireland's protected natural habitats
The developer SWS Energy is "a market leader in the renewable energy sector in Ireland" and its "core beliefs are based on harnessing natural energy that exists around us in a renewable and sustainable way."
Some of the most important wildlife habitats in Ireland are protected under Irish law and EU Habitats/Birds Directives. The map shows the relationship between the proposed turbines and the boundaries of various designated natural habitats. The map is interactive, so please take time to zoom in, click on the map objects, explore the satellite view.
The proposed turbines occupy a large area centrally located in the Slieve Aughty Special Protection Area for Hen Harrier (SPA, red line). They are directly adjacent to Glendree Bog Special Area of Conservation (SAC, green line) which is a rare active mountain bog and lake. Three other active mountain bogs which are designated as National Heritage Areas (NHA, blue lines) are nearby.
The land at Loughaun North is currently owned by Coillte, the state-owned forestry company. Should the Irish Government allow 170Ha of protected natural habitat in public ownership to be sold for industrial development? Make your view known to the Minister for the Environment.
The coordinates of proposed turbine locations are taken from SWS's Clare County Council Planning Application 081950. Habitat boundary shapefiles are from National Parks and Wildlife Service. For some of the issues surrounding this development visit www.noeastclarewindfarm.net