Green Party Cllr Cadogan Enright has welcomed the reports which confirm that the new record breaking SeaGen Turbine in Strangford Lough has not significantly disturbed the Strangford Lough Environment or Wildlife.
A shore based marine mammal survey has found no evidence of an impact on the areas seal population with no evidence of seal behavioural change since the turbine became fully operational.
Cllr Enright said, “As a prominent campaigner for wildlife protection in the Down District area, and also the council’s representative on the Strangford Lough Management Committee I am delighted that we can have both renewable energy and an environment safe for wildlife”.
“This record-breaking undersea renewable energy turbine represents both the opportunity for local jobs, the opportunity to reduce imports as well as allowing Down District to play a role in combating Global Warming” said Councillor Enright.
Cllr Cadogan Enright has been an avid wildlife campaigner, most recently campaigning to have beach by-laws introduced on Minerstown Beach to protect Seals, birds and other forms of wildlife in that area.
Cllr Enright concluded, “I would commend SeaGen for their regard to the wildlife of Strangford Lough. These new reports, which monitor the Turbines effects on the vibrant wildlife, show SeaGen’s consideration for the concerns of local people and wildlife enthusiasts.”
Press Cuttings: Wildlife unaffected by Lough turbine