Windfarms dividing farm community

The development of windfarms in Westmeath will divide the farming community.

That's according to Cllr Fintan Cooney, who voiced his concern at today's windfarm conference in Tullamore organised by Mainstream Power, which is hoping to construct 45 turbines, 157m tall, in the Dysart and Killucan/Raharney areas.

The Fine Gael man and semi-retiried vet said that it has been his "honour" to work with the farming community for over 40 years and that it is the "most united group in this country".

This unity in under threat in Westmeath, he says, due to disagreements arising out of the proposed development of windfarms.

If a landowner signs up to lease land to one of the wind energy developers, his neighbours are worried that it will negatively impact on their property values, Cllr Cooney said.

"If I put a windfarm in my farm, my neighbour doesn't want it."