Windfarm construction caused Galway landslide - report

Construction work at a 71-turbine windfarm in Derrybrien, Co Galway, was one of the contributing factors which caused a landslide…

Construction work at a 71-turbine windfarm in Derrybrien, Co Galway, was one of the contributing factors which caused a landslide last October, a report has found.

The study recommended that work should resume on the hillside over the village of Derrybrien, if a number of recommendations were followed, including a scheme to provide enhanced drainage.

However, the report, which was commissioned by the ESB and its subsidiary Hibernian Wind Power, which is building the facility, was rejected by local residents.

Mr Martin Collins of the Derrybrien Landslide Action Group said residents would go to Europe if necessary to halt all work on the site.

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"What we are really calling for now is for a totally independent investigation into this whole landslide," said Mr Collins.

The report concluded a combination of factors caused the landslide, including a zone of weak peat, a natural drainage channel and construction activity by Hibernian Wind Power.

When the landslide happened over 70 acres of bog were disturbed when the ground began to give way. Up to 100,000 fish in the 10-mile stretch of the Owendalulleegh river down to Lough Cutra were killed as a result.

It is understood Hibernian Wind Power has already spent between €15 million and €20 million on the wind farm project.

All work on the 60-megawatt wind farm will remain halted until a separate report by Galway County Council is published later this month.

Additional reporting PA