Fear and anger in Drumquin

FEAR, anger and heartbreak have been expressed by Drumquin residents after construction work began on a major wind farm extension, with campaigners claiming the local community has been left in the dark over the development.

The proposed Pigeon Top Wind Farm Extension will see nine additional large turbines constructed in the Cornavarrow area, adding to an existing 12-turbine development and raising serious concerns about the cumulative impact on nearby homes and the surrounding countryside.

Residents say they were given little or no warning that work was about to begin, with notification letters allegedly sent to only a small number of households shortly before contractors moved onto the site.

Campaigners, No More Wind Farms in Drumquin, have accused developer Energia of failing to properly consult the wider community, particularly families living along the Cornavarrow and Dooish roads, where heavy construction traffic is expected to travel.

They claim six weeks of enabling works are planned and have questioned why residents along the designated haulage route were not adequately informed.

There are also concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable residents, including people with auditory, neurological and sensory conditions, with campaigners demanding an independent assessment of the effects of additional noise, low-frequency hum and shadow flicker.

The group has further warned that the 21 turbines could dramatically alter the landscape, creating a wall of industrial infrastructure across the hills, while the movement of multiple turbine blades could distract motorists travelling along narrow, winding rural roads.

Campaigners are also questioning whether all 15 planning conditions attached to the development's approval in September 2022 have been fulfilled before construction commenced.

Particular concern has been raised over the required Habitat Management and Enhancement Plan, which is intended to compensate for the loss of priority habitats.

They are also demanding answers over the combined impact of existing and proposed turbines, battery storage infrastructure, a new condenser plant and a further substation.

Describing residents as heartbroken and shocked by the latest development, the campaign group has formally complained to Energia's headquarters, Planning Enforcement and Environmental Health.

It is demanding an immediate halt to construction, independent disability and noise assessments, and meaningful consultation with the entire affected community.

The group has insisted that local people will not simply stand by while further development transforms their rural surroundings, and has called on West Tyrone MLAs and Fermanagh and Omagh councillors to support their objections.

Energia has been contacted about the residents' concerns, but at the time of going to press, no response has been forthcoming