A West Cork grassroots community campaign opposing a proposed industrial-scale wind farm on the Maughanaclea Hills has launched a targeted fundraising drive to appoint independent expert advisors ahead of the formal planning stage.
The campaign, known as Stop The Spin, is responding to a proposed development that has been granted Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) status — meaning it will be determined directly by An Coimisiún Pleanála, bypassing Cork County Council entirely.
The proposed development is significant in scale: 14 industrial wind turbines, each with a tip height of 169 metres, across the rural lands of Maughanaclea Hills, Kealkill, Coomclogh, Cousane and the Mealagh Valley. To put that in perspective, each turbine would stand two and a half times the height of Cork’s Elysian building.
A Narrow Window to Respond
Under the SID process, once the planning application is formally lodged and validated, the public will have just six weeks to review and respond to what is expected to be a highly complex and technical application — potentially running to thousands of pages. The decision of An Coimisiún Pleanála is final, with no standard right of appeal.
Noelle Aller Ontalba, spokesperson for Stop The Spin, said:
“With SID status now confirmed, the community is facing a single, limited window to respond to this project of significant scale. Our priority is to ensure that our response is informed, evidence-based and supported by qualified independent experts.”
Why Independent Experts Matter
Stop The Spin is fundraising to commission specialist reports across four key areas:
- Hydrology — to assess peat stability, drainage systems and risks to local watercourses
- Ecology — to evaluate impacts on habitats, wildlife and protected species
- Planning — to examine compliance with national and local planning policy
- Legal expertise — to ensure the planning process is conducted in full accordance with statutory requirements
“These are not optional extras,” Mrs Aller Ontalba added. “Without independent expert input, it is extremely difficult for any community to meaningfully engage with a development of this complexity and scale.”
How to Get Involved
A community fundraiser is currently live, with a prize of a €1,500 travel voucher from West Cork Travel up for grabs.
🎟️ Closing date: Tuesday, 31st March 2026 👉 Tickets available at: https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/WinaLuxuryHolidaytoadestinationofyourchoice
The developer has indicated the application may be lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála before the end of March. Stop The Spin is also encouraging members of the public and professionals with relevant expertise to come forward and assist.
“While the developer may spend years preparing these applications, the community has just six weeks to study and write submissions.”
For more information, visit www.stopthespin.ie or contact spokesperson Noelle Aller Ontalba at noelle.aller.ontalba@icloud.com / 086 806 7474.
