The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has objected to plans from Bord na Móna for a 24-turbine windfarm within the Shannon Wilderness Park in Co Longford.

The Trust submitted an objection to An Bord Pleanala.

The IWT has said it is not opposed to wind energy generation, but is "increasingly concerned that turbines are being inappropriately located, especially on peatland habitats.

"In particular, the presence of turbines can be at odds with biodiversity protection, the restoration of which is equally as important as addressing climate change", it said.

Bord na Móna has proposed to install 24-turbines across the proposed Shannon Wilderness Park.

But the IWT has claimed the plan envisages the creation of a new, restored peatland landscape that "has the potential to be a haven for wildlife and a unique tourist/amenity attraction."

"For many ecologists this was the perfect site for the reintroduction of long-extinct Irish birds such as crane and bittern, while it was hoped that white-tailed sea eagles (breeding in some western counties) would colonise the shores of Lough Ree."

"A bank of turbines however is totally incompatible with these goals and would effectively negate any sense of unique identity which would be essential for the success of the Wilderness Park", the IWT added.

The Shannon Wilderness Park | Image: Bord na Móna

Large, migratory birds are the most at risk from collision with turbines, according to a 2017 study from BirdLife International.

IWT campaigns officer is Pádraic Fogarty: "We're very disappointed that the hard work and hopes of local communities for the Shannon Wilderness Park are being swept aside by Bord na Móna in their pursuit of this wind energy project.

"There's a huge opportunity in creating a distinct and unique identity for this part of Longford, something people would travel from far and wide to experience.

"Bord na Móna should be working with local people and ecologists in trying to deliver this, rather than working against them to impose an unwanted wind farm. We hope An Bord Pleanala can refuse permission."

According to a document from Bord na Móna, the proposed Derryadd Wind Farm would create up to 120 jobs at peak construction - as well as indirect employment through the sub-supply of a wide range of products and services.

It would also see the upgrading of road infrastructure in the vicinity of the wind farm, and development of access to a significant land area - that could support both eco-tourism and energy tourism.

The Irish Wildlife Trust was founded in 1979 as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and charity.

Main image: The Bord na Móna Mountlucas windfarm in Co Offaly | Image: Bord na Móna