AROUND 100 people from the Draperstown area attended a public meeting in the Rural College last Thursday.
The Friends of Lough Patrick gave a presentation on the history of Lough Patrick.
During the discussion which followed the mood of the meeting was one of anxiety and anger that such an important area was about to be destroyed by the introduction o
f wind turbines.
People wanted to know how they could help with the campaign and were told that objections could still be lodged with the Planning Service.
SDLP Councillor Kate Lagan said public interest must be taken into account when decisions are being made by the Planning Department. The voice and opinion of people in the area will be vitally important.
“It is vital that Magherafelt Council rescind their recent motion to support the turbine and that the letter of support to Ballymena Planning Department is withdrawn as soon as possible,” she added.
The Friends of Lough Patrick have written the following open letter to the Magherafelt Councillors:
As “The Friends of Lough Patrick” we were very disappointed by your response to our recent presentation at the council.
“The preservation of the cultural heritage of our district should indeed be part of your responsibility as a council.
“We have in the area surrounding Lough Patrick, one of the most valuable areas for archaeological finds.
“As a pilgrimage site it is unique. Whatever one’s religious affiliations might be, there has to be respect and care for such a place of religious tradition and heritage.
“It was extremely sad to listen to the councillors’ prepared questions-- few of which were actually addressing the nature of the site or indeed the problem. There appeared to be no interest whatsoever in the historical significance of the pilgrimage to Lough Patrick.
“No consideration was given to possible less sensitive siting for a turbine. Indeed it was obvious that minds had been already made up prior to the meeting.
“However their input on that evening was a very sad reflection on our elected representatives. So much for Magherafelt District Council’s promotion of cultural heritage as displayed on their website.”
