CONTACT YOUR TDs

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Dear Deputy Collins,

I’m writing to thank you for speaking up about the pressures being placed on rural communities in Cork when it comes to large on-shore wind developments – especially in relation to the Maughanaclea Wind Development threatening Kealkill and the Mealagh Valley which was recently lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála (Ref: ACP-324165-26 / 324165-26).

As you know, Cork & Kerry already produce an extraordinary proportion of Ireland’s onshore wind power. Many of us feel we have genuinely done our fair share. With turbines now reaching 180–200 metres, the impacts on rural homes, farms, roads, and upland habitats are becoming harder to ignore – especially under planning guidelines that are now 20 years out of date.

There is a growing concern across West Cork that current wind energy guidelines are no longer fit for purpose. These guidelines are 20 years old and were developed when turbines were significantly smaller, and they do not adequately reflect the scale, height, and visual impact of modern developments.

There is also increasing concern about the cumulative impact of multiple wind projects across the region. While individual developments may be assessed on their own merits, the combined effect on the landscape, communities, and rural character of West Cork is not being properly addressed.

There is strong support locally for renewable energy, but also a clear feeling that our area is becoming saturated without an updated policy framework or a coordinated approach to distribution.

Given that the Maughanaclea application is now at a live planning stage, I would really appreciate your support in raising these concerns – particularly the need to properly account for cumulative impact and to push for updated guidelines that reflect current turbine scale.

This is an important moment for our community, and your voice on this would make a real difference.

Thank you for your time and representation.

Kind regards,
[XXXXYour NameXXXX]
[XXXXXYour TownlandXXXX]

Use Maughanaclea in the subject line

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Dear Deputy O’Sullivan,

I’m writing as a local resident regarding the proposed Maughanaclea Wind Development near Kealkill and the Mealagh Valley, recently lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála (Ref: ACP-324165-26 / 324165-26).

I know you have consistently highlighted the importance of protecting West Cork’s unique heritage, biodiversity, and landscape, which is why I wanted to reach out at this important stage.

As you know, Cork and Kerry already produce a significant proportion of Ireland’s onshore wind energy. There is strong local support for renewable energy, but also a growing concern that the scale and pace of development – particularly with turbines now reaching 180–200 metres – is outstripping the policy framework designed to manage it.

Current wind energy guidelines are now over 20 years old and were developed for much smaller infrastructure. They do not adequately reflect the visual, ecological, and landscape impacts of modern turbines, particularly in sensitive upland areas.

There is also increasing concern about the cumulative impact of multiple wind developments across West Cork. While individual projects may be assessed in isolation, the combined effect on habitats, biodiversity corridors, and the character of our landscape is not being sufficiently considered.

Given the ecological and heritage value of areas like Kealkill and the Mealagh Valley, many feel that a more joined-up and up-to-date approach is urgently needed.

With the Maughanaclea application now at a live planning stage, I would greatly appreciate your support in raising these concerns – particularly the need to account properly for cumulative impact and to push for updated guidelines that reflect the scale of current turbine development.

This is a critical moment for our area, and your voice in ensuring a balanced, sustainable approach would be very important.

Thank you for your continued work on behalf of the community.

Kind regards,
[XXXXYour NameXXXX]
[XXXXXYour TownlandXXXX]

Use Maughanaclea in the subject line

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Dear Deputy Cairns,

I’m writing as a local resident regarding the proposed Maughanaclea Wind Development near Kealkill and the Mealagh Valley, recently lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála (Ref: ACP-324165-26 / 324165-26).

I know you have been a strong advocate for both climate action and community-led decision-making, which is why I wanted to reach out.

There is strong support locally for renewable energy and for taking meaningful action on climate change. However, many people are increasingly concerned that the current approach to large-scale onshore wind development is not being delivered in a fair or balanced way.

West Cork is already contributing significantly to Ireland’s renewable energy targets, and there is a growing feeling that rural communities like ours are being asked to take on a disproportionate share – often without meaningful input into how developments are planned or distributed.

There is also concern about the cumulative impact of multiple wind projects across the region. While individual developments may be assessed in isolation, the combined effect on communities, landscapes, and local infrastructure is not being properly addressed.

In addition, current wind energy guidelines are now over 20 years old and were designed for much smaller turbines. They do not reflect the scale and impact of modern developments, or the need for a more coordinated and community-led approach.

Many people feel that alternative solutions—such as rooftop solar, farm-based microgeneration, and energy storage – could deliver climate progress in a way that is more equitable and locally beneficial.

With the Maughanaclea application now at a live planning stage, I would really appreciate your support in raising these concerns – particularly around cumulative impact, democratic planning, the proliferation of data centres, and the need for updated wind farm guidelines.

There is a strong desire in this community to be part of a fair and sustainable transition, and your voice in ensuring that transition is community-led would make a real difference.

Thank you for your time and continued work.

Kind regards,
[XXXXYour NameXXXX]
[XXXXXYour TownlandXXXX]