• We need as many community members as possible to object. The Commission looks at both quality and diverse quantity of submissions.
• Your family members can submit objections too.
• Each submission costs €50 and must arrive before the deadline. 
• There is an online submission system that you will need to create an account for – detailed instructions are here.   Even better if you send your submission by registered post or if you can personally deliver to Dublin. We can also deliver it for you, if received before Friday, May 15th.
• Be sure to take screenshots of your submission success and / or retain your registered post receipt. 

BE SURE TO INCLUDE:

Your Details: Name & Address. Phone & email are optional.

Planning Application Reference Number: ACP-324165-26 

Applicant: Maughanaclea Ltd / Enerco

Description of Development: 10 year planning permission for Maughanaclea Wind Farm consisting of 14 no. wind turbines, a 110kV substation and 110kV underground cabling connection and associated works

Location: Maughanaclea, County Cork

If you are feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or if you have a condition that makes writing these kinds of things difficult – please reach out. There are multiple members of the community who are happy to help you.

We are in this together! 

Email info@stopthespin.ie 

Or call / text   085 123 4586   
OR   086 806 7474

Below is a very slimmed down list of topics you might want to include in your objection. To access the comprehensive Community Objection Help Doc, please contact the numbers above.

Landscape, Visual Impact and Cumulative Effect

The proposed turbines, at 169m, are among the largest structures ever introduced into this landscape. Their siting on elevated ridgelines means they would be visible across a wide area, fundamentally altering the character of the countryside. The R585 is designated as a scenic route, and the presence of turbines of this scale would directly undermine this designation. When considered alongside existing and proposed wind farms in the wider region, the cumulative impact would result in landscape saturation and irreversible visual harm.

Residential Amenity

Residential amenity extends beyond minimum separation distances. The scale, movement, and dominance of these turbines would create an overbearing presence for nearby homes. Visual intrusion, noise, and loss of tranquillity would materially affect quality of life and the enjoyment of homes in what is currently a quiet rural environment.

Noise and Low Frequency Sound

Rural background noise levels are particularly low, especially at night. Even noise levels that comply with limits can be disturbing in such environments. Low frequency noise travels further than higher frequency noise and penetrates buildings more easily. Amplitude modulation (the rhythmic “swish thump” sound) is a well recognised source of complaint and is often underestimated in assessments.

Shadow Flicker

Given the turbine height and blade diameter, shadow flicker has the potential to affect properties at significant distances. Realworld conditions such as cloud cover, topography, and sun angle often differ from modelled predictions, meaning actual impacts may be more widespread and severe.

Roads, Traffic and Construction Impacts

Construction would involve prolonged periods of heavy and abnormal vehicle movements on narrow rural roads that are not designed for such traffic. This raises serious safety concerns and the risk of longterm damage to road infrastructure, bridges, drainage systems, and boundary features.

Hydrology, Water Quality and Flood Risk

Upland construction and peat excavation can significantly alter natural drainage patterns. This increases the risk of sediment and pollutants entering local streams and rivers. There is also a risk to private wells and downstream flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Peat Stability and Carbon Loss

Peatlands are inherently unstable when disturbed. Excavation and drainage can trigger peat slides, resulting in major environmental damage and carbon loss. Previous peat failures in Ireland demonstrate that these risks are not theoretical.

Ecology, Birds and Bats

The site and surrounding area support important bird species, including birds of prey that are particularly vulnerable to turbine collision due to their flight behaviour. Ridgeline siting increases this risk. Turbines may also disrupt habitats and movement patterns of bats and other wildlife.

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

West Cork has one of the highest densities of archaeological monuments in Ireland. Upland peatland areas often contain unrecorded archaeology, which may be destroyed during construction. The visual setting of known monuments would also be severely degraded.

Tourism and the Local Economy

The local tourism economy depends on landscape quality, tranquillity, and scenic value. Industrial-scale wind turbines risk undermining these assets, particularly where they are visible from key tourist routes such as the Wild Atlantic Way.

Community and Social Impact

Large wind farm developments often create longterm divisions within rural communities. Financial benefits accrue to a limited number of landowners, while negative impacts are experienced by neighbours and the wider community.

Planning Policy and Guidelines

The existing 2006 Wind Energy Guidelines predate turbines of this scale. Reliance on outdated guidance fails to adequately protect residential amenity, landscape character, and environmental assets.

Conclusion Taken individually and cumulatively, the impacts of the proposed Maughanaclea Wind Farm would be unacceptable. The development would result in lasting harm to the environment, residential amenity, and community and should therefore be refused.

Much more help is available. To access the comprehensive Community Objection Help Doc or get 1:1 help, please contact us:

Email info@stopthespin.ie 

Or call / text   085 123 4586   
OR   086 806 7474

We are in this together!