Energy firm to fight notice over disputed wind turbine on site of Neolithic burial site KnockIveagh

Council wants structures removed from historic site which was also used for the coronation of early medieval kings
Ciaran O’Neill
December 11 2022 10:27 AM

A long-running dispute over the erection of a wind turbine at a historic site in Co Down has taken a new twist.

The turbine was erected on the top of Knock Iveagh near Rathfriland in 2017. Heritage campaigners were furious planning permission had been granted for the turbine on a 5,000-year-old Neolithic burial site which was also used for the coronation of early medieval kings.

It has now emerged the company which owns the turbine, Ayr Power Ltd, has been served with an enforcement notice by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (ABC) to remove some of the structures associated with the turbine. If the structures are removed, it is understood the turbine would be unable to continue operating.

However, the Sunday Independent has learned Ayr Power Ltd has lodged an appeal against the order with the Planning Appeals Commission.

More: independent.ie/irish-news/news/energy-firm-to-fight-notice-over-disputed-wind-turbine-on-site-of-neolithic-burial-site-at-knock-iveagh-42211421.html