Index Home Join IPCC

Bog Burst on Slieve Aughty Mountain Could Have been Avoided

Press Release 23 October 2003

The bog burst at Derrybrien in the Slieve Aughty Mountains in County Galway
which occurred on 16 October was almost certainly caused by the construction
of a wind farm at this site. This disastrous event could have been avoided
had the planning authorities taken on board the concerns of the Irish
Peatland Conservation Council and local residents group in regard to this
development on such a wet, fragile upland blanket bog.

IPCC are concerned that wind farms being built in other upland areas are
threatening the future of mountain blanket bog habitat, which is a priority
for conservation under the EU Habitats Directive.

Not only is the risk of bog bursts now a reality, but road construction over the bogs to
sevice and install turbines only serve to attract other unsustainable activities in the
blanket bogs such as dumping, turf cutting, drainage and fire.

IPCC's wind energy policy supports the development of renewable energy
provided this does not damage areas of conservation value.

Caroline Hurley, the Conservation Officer with the IPCC commented: "In light of this recent
bog burst, it seems clear that wind farm construction is not compatible with
the protection of upland blanket bog. IPCC are very concerned about several
other areas of upland blanket bog designated as proposed SACs, which have
wind farms proposed on them, and we will double our efforts to prevent such
developments taking place and ensure the survival of these sites".

The IPCC's policy statement on Wind Energy Developments on bogs can be viewed on
www.ipcc.ie.

ENDS