Litir Chumhdaigh
My submission is to object strongly to the rezoning of land previously zoned as unsuitable for wind turbines.
I am very concerned about the potential for serious damage to be done to the landscape in several areas by inclusion of wind turbines. Namely, the Lingaum River Valley, as a Protected Arceological Landscape. The Knockroe Passage Tomb complex, recently beautifully and sensitively excavated and landscaped by the OPW, where turbines would interfere with the passage of the sun into the Neolithic site. And also Leac Na Scail Dolmen. These sites in particular are an inherent part of the historical landscape of our area, and are invaluable to the local communities who have worked hard to preserve and present these areas as important local historical, cultural and tourist destinations.
The efficacy of wind turbines in providing ecologically sound, sustainable energy is increasingly questioned and I feel that the solutions we need in the search for a greener lifestyle should not come at the cost of destruction or degradation of the rich and important history of the land and people's ancestral connection with the land.
Land previously zoned as unsuitable for wind turbines is now being consideredin the draft plan for rezoning to be included in land suitable for wind turbines
Neolithic sites need to be preserved
That land currently zoned as unsuitable for wind turbines is kept as such
Cultural heritage, archological value, and aesthetic value of land may be set aside for the sake of environmental issues which can be solved in other ways.