Cork County Council has approved planning permission for the development of up to six wind turbines at the head waters of the Toon River, which flows into the Gearagh woodland.

However, Sinn Féin has raised concerns and written to the European Commission after the council "bulldozed through" and granted planning permission.

-- Advertisement --

He said: "An Bord Pleanála has recognised the adverse potential of this development on this sensitive and ecologically-important area through flash flooding.

"In light of the flooding, the risks to the Gearagh and its flora and fauna, not to mention the homes and livelihoods of the local people, I have written to the European Commission asking that concrete measures be set in place to guarantee an immediate stop to this development until a complete evaluation and environmental impact assessment is carried out."

(CD/MH)