The Sperrin Mountains are once again at the centre of major planning decisions that could have a lasting impact on this outstanding landscape.
A campaign is underway to “Save the Heart of the Sperrins” from a proposed development of 11 wind turbines, each up to 180 metres high, at Mullaghclogher (The Moat), near Plumbridge.
The proposal has attracted strong local opposition, with concerns raised about its impact on the landscape, biodiversity, peatlands, wildlife, water and the character of this sensitive area.
Despite local objections, Mid Ulster District Council has granted planning permission. The campaign is now raising funds to challenge that decision.
Meanwhile, the Public Inquiry into the proposed Curraghinalt gold-mining project, promoted by Dalradian Gold, resumes on 1 September. The proposed mine, processing plant and associated infrastructure would be located in the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and have been the subject of a long-running planning process and significant local opposition.
Taken together, these developments raise fundamental questions about how we protect our natural heritage while responding to the climate and energy crises. Renewable energy and economic development are important — but so too are biodiversity, clean water, peatlands, landscapes and the communities that depend on them.
Our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty deserve protection.
Democracy doesn’t end when a planning application is submitted. We all have a right — and a responsibility — to make our voices heard. Contact your councillors, MLAs and other public representatives. Ask them what they are doing to protect the Sperrins and other Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and demand that environmental protection is given the weight it deserves in planning decisions.
Use your voice. Contact your public representatives. Help protect the places that cannot speak for themselves.
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