Anger at DfI stance over plans for new windfarm in Fintona

COUNCILLORS in Fermanagh and Omagh have once again voiced strong criticism of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) over its decision to designate a proposed windfarm near Fintona as ‘regionally significant’, effectively removing the final say from local authority.

The controversy was revisited during a recent meeting of the council’s planning committee, following a letter from the DfI confirming it would retain decision-making power regarding the ten-turbine project planned between Tattymoyle Road and Ecclesville Road.

Council planning officers and members expressed frustration, with the lead planning officer describing the move as ‘hugely-disappointing’. Local representatives argued they are well-equipped to assess and decide on such developments themselves.

UUP councillor Robert Irvine raised concerns about the visual and environmental impact of the turbines due to their height, and stressed that local councils like Fermanagh and Omagh, Mid Ulster, and Derry City and Strabane are most affected by wind energy decisions.

“There is an effective policy in our local development strategy, and we should be allowed to implement it,” Cllr Irvine said.

“Our officers have consistently shown they can handle major applications efficiently – quicker, perhaps, than the Department.”

Sinn Féin councillor Thomas O’Reilly also voiced disappointment, pointing out that the council’s lobbying efforts had failed to reverse the DfI’s stance.

“This project may have been classified as ‘regionally-significant’, but at this stage it has very local implications,” Cllr O’Reilly said.

“Planning powers were devolved to give local professionals the ability to make decisions for their communities.”