Rushden windfarm dispute blows up

Quinn Industrial Holdings Ltd (QIHL) has voiced concern at the recent escalation of tensions in the Ballyconnell area over access to wind farms at Slieve Rushden.
It comes after the PSNI stated that they are currently investigating a reported confrontation on the Derrylin Road near Ballyconnell in recent weeks; while members of the Garda Armed Response Unit carried out checkpoints south of the border.
The latest incidents come only months after it was reported to gardaí that an “assault-type rifle” was used to threaten a security guard who attempted to stop men dumping boulders on an access road to the wind farm. There is ongoing controversy over right of access to the wind farms at Mucklagh on Slieve Rushden, where the road is used by engineers who service the turbines.
A QIHL spokesperson said: “We are keen to see the ongoing issues resolved. We invite any local landowners who have concerns regarding access over their lands by Mantlin, the current owners of the wind farm, to speak to us and we will relay those concerns to Mantlin.”