Sinn Fein has welcomed the announcement that plans to develop Doraville Wind Farm in the Sperrins was refused by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.

Mid Ulster Councillor Sean Clarke and Declan McAleer MLA said it was the "proper and right choice".

Councillor Clarke said: "This is great news for the people of Broughdergand the wider Sperrins community.

"The construction of 33 wind turbines in the area would have been seriously detrimental to the local landscape and environment and to the promotion of the area for it's archaeological, cultural and tourism assets. We can only but imagine the conflict with the recently achieved Dark Sky Accreditation.

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"While we must endeavour to find ways to promote renewable and green energy, this cannot be to the detriment of the environment and local community's quality of life and even the ultimate sustainability of the local community."

Mr McAleer said: "I want to pay tribute to all in the Broughdergand wider Sperrins community who have campaigned tirelessly to ensure that planning approval was not granted to this windfarm.

"Our local community want to develop the Sperrinsfor the benefit of residents and for tourist purposes and 33 wind turbines towering over the landscape would have undoubtedly scarred this area of natural beauty."