Drumquin wind farm objectors raise concerns as council confirms seven complaints

Residents living near the Drumquin wind farm developments, along with the No More Wind Farms in Drumquin group, have raised a series of concerns about noise monitoring, the complaints process and the ongoing investigation by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC).

In response to questions raised on behalf of the objectors, the council has confirmed that it has received seven complaints associated with wind turbine developments in the Drumquin area.

The group has questioned whether the council has the necessary equipment to measure noise levels outdoors, why residents have been advised to make individual complaints rather than submit a collective village complaint, and what action is now being taken.

Responding to noise monitoring concerns, FODC said its Environmental Health Service has specialist noise monitoring equipment and is equipped to undertake noise assessments where appropriate as part of its investigation into complaints.

The council stressed that the equipment can be used outdoors, with the need for monitoring and the methodology employed depending on the circumstances of each case and the nature of the complaint received.

On the question of collective complaints, the council explained that, when assessing whether a statutory nuisance may exist, its Environmental Health Service must consider the impact of the alleged nuisance on individual residential properties and occupiers.

This is in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

Individual complainants may therefore be asked to provide specific information about how they are affected by the noise being reported.

The council also confirmed that it has received seven complaints relating to wind turbine developments in the Drumquin area.

Providing an update on the current position, FODC said its Environmental Health Service is considering the information received to date and will continue to assess any further evidence submitted by residents affected by noise from the wind farm development, or noise arising from associated construction activities.

In a statement, the council acknowledged that concerns had been raised by some residents regarding wind farm developments in Drumquin.

It added that its role was to consider complaints in accordance with the relevant legislation and available evidence.

However, with investigations ongoing, the council said it would not be appropriate to comment further on individual complaint investigations at this stage.

The responses come amid continuing concerns among residents living near the developments, with the No More Wind Farms in Drumquin group seeking answers about the potential impact of the turbines on the surrounding community and the steps the council is taking to investigate their complaints.