Online fundraiser for solar farm opposition group raises €3k in a few days

An online fundraiser set up by a new group opposed to the development of a 215-acre solar farm and battery storage facility at Gartlandstown, Crookedwood has already raised over €3,000.

The GoFundMe page was set up by Derravaragh Conservation on behalf of the Crookedwood, Collinstown and Castlepollard Community Group, which was established after locals learned about the plan by Neoen Renewables Ireland Ltd to develop the energy facility on a 87-hectare site located just outside the village of Crookedwood, east of Lough Derravaragh and the historic Knockeyon Hill.

In its post on the crowdfunding site, Derravaragh Conservation said that the Crookedwood, Collinstown and Castlepollard Community Group is opposed “to the development of an industrial-size energy facility on the shore of Lough Derravaragh” and called for the public's support.

“This area was the home of the legendary Children of Lir for 300 years and it along with its wildlife is now under threat.

“We need your help to protect this internationally renowned landscape and the critically endangered birds that live in the nature reserve.

“A global multinational has proposed developing an industrial energy facility here and we need to raise funds to ensure that the area is protected.

“If you have a connection with Ireland or Irish legends, landscape and wild life we need your help now.”