Tourism versus turbines: Questions facing rural Ireland left blowing in the wind

Government policy is to utilise wind as a major element of renewable energy, yet the State takes a hands-off approach to developments, leaving wind-farm developers and rural residents in a vacuum, writes Michael Clifford

An application for a seven-turbine wind farm was turned down because of the excessive height of the turbines, visual impact on scenic routes, and the proximity to the 'key tourist attraction' of Gougane Barra. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Urgency required Tim Twomey to drive to Dublin from his home in the upper Lee Valley in West Cork in late September.

He had to submit an appeal against a proposed wind farm and had only a day to spare. So he got on the road, driving towards Macroom, and from there on to Cork city and the motorway north.