A proposed Birds Habitat Directive along the west Connemara coast may threaten the development of Wind Energy projects
It's based on a European Habitats Directive and would protect the birds flying over the Atlantic
The latest designation covers the seas and seashore from Slyne Head south as far as the Cill Chiaráin Area, and a raft of developments and actions would require consent from the Heritage Department, before being carried out there.
While wind farms are not specified as developments needing consent, actions such as blasting, drilling, dredging or otherwise removing or disturbing fossils, rocks, minerals, mud sand and gravel are prohibited without Ministerial consent.
Such conditions could impinge on wind farm developments and are clearly a deterrent to further projects.
Much in this habitat has long been regarded as one of the best locations in Europe for wind energy.
The new developments at Rosaveal harbour at €30m. also envisaged a wind energy component to the broader plan.
Máirtín Ó Catháin for Galway Bay FM in Connemara.
