BOGSLIDES

Unstable Peat

Wind turbines represent the first large-scale intrusion into the deep mountain blanket bogs of the West of Ireland.

Deep peat is a suspension of organic particles in water. When disturbed it may suddenly lose its shear strength and undergo a change of state to form a liquid slurry. According to Geological Survey of Ireland “ peat may present a hazard if it is greater than 0.5m thick or if it less than 0.5m thick and on a slope greater than 15°.... extensive peat slides have occurred on slopes as low as 2°.” In a mountain area this has disastrous consequences.

Recent Disasters

In view of the above, it is hardly surprising that three major bogslides have already resulted directly from wind farm development in the West of Ireland. The images opposite show such events at Ballincollig County Kerry 2008, at the Owengar River, County Leitrim, 2008 and at Derrybrien, County Galway in 2003. Downstream effects included destroyed fisheries and polluted drinking water.

Future Disaster?

The peat dome at Loughaun North, the proposed wind farm site, is up to 5m deep in places, with slopes in the range 5°-15°. There is a high risk of peat failure if construction is permitted because many factors, such as rainfall, cannot be controlled. If peat failure occurs, any or all of Lough Ea, Affick and Glenaree river systems would be affected.

Call for Moratorium 

In response to the repeated disasters, environmental groups (see links page) have recommended a moratorium on new wind farm construction in peatlands. Environment and Heritage Minister Gormley has yet to make a decision or comment on this matter.

Meanwhile, opportunistic developers such as SWS Energy are able to exploit the present inadequate regulation. In fact they are incentivised to play Russian roulette with your environment.

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