Wind energy group blamed for causing landslide
A report carried out by Applied Ground Engineering Consultants (AGEC) found work by the ESB subsidiary, Hibernian Wind Power (HWP), on a €60 million windfarm triggered the landslide.
The landslide closed local roads and polluted the Lough Cutra river system where thousands of fish were killed when 70 acres of bogland flowed down river.
The slide was caused by some weak peat, a natural drainage channel and construction work by HWP, the report said.
The report makes 17 recommendations, which will allow the windfarm to be completed, if they are fully implemented.
It’s recommended that building at the windfarm should be monitored by specialists at all times, and that the company use work practices which don’t adversely affect the land.
The investigation also called for a new drainage system at the site.
The ESB is going to look at the extra building costs following the recommendations before deciding on the future of the project.
However, the Derrybrien Landslide Action Group (DLAG) last night warned it will resist any work at the farm until the European Commission investigates the incident.
“We welcome the report because it’s damning on the work practices at the site,” DLAG spokesperson Martin Collins said.
“But this still has to be looked at by Europe before any more work can start there.”
The managing director of HWP Brian Ryan said the company will fully implement the report’s recommendations before work resumes.
“The safety of the public and our staff is paramount.
“We will continue to liaise closely with the community in Derrybrien and with all statutory bodies,” he said.
HWP has already spent around €20m on the project.
A report by Galway County Council into the landslide will be published later this month.
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board (SRFB) warned last year it could take legal action against whoever was responsible for the peat landslide.
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