Committed to preserving South Down for future generations.

About Us

Sustainable South Down is a community group made up of like-minded people

Sustainable South Down is a community group made up of like-minded people in the South Down area who are committed to preserving our planet for future generations.

The group has been established to support the Gruggandoo Wind Farm project – an opportunity to show South Down is willing to play its part in achieving a sustainable future.

Building a sustainable future

Everyone knows that things cannot continue the way they are. The impacts of climate change are damaging our planet, and if we don't take action to address this now, then we'll get to the point where the damage can't be undone. If we are going to protect what we have for the benefit of future generations, then we have to adjust.

Our reliance on fossils fuels for energy is totally unsustainable. If we are serious about protecting and enhancing our biodiversity and natural environment in NI in the long-term, we need to take advantage of the fact we have some of the best renewable energy resources in the world. Projects like the Gruggandoo Wind Farm will help to decarbonise our electricity system and reduce CO2 emissions by helping to lessen our reliance on fossil fuels like oil and gas.

To protect the environment we love, we have to look to the future and change our outlook.

Generating electricity from sustainable sources benefits us now and in the future

Protecting our environment for future generations

Climate change threatens the habitats and settings we treasure most. By using natural resources we can protect the places we love.

Supporting sustainable communities in South Down

Through various community benefits, wind farms help to create sustainable communities that are often underfunded and struggling for support.

Economic investment and job creation

Wind farms like the Gruggandoo project will involve significant investment and will present economic and employment opportunities locally.

Decarbonising our electricity supply

Hosting a wind farm will allow the South Down area to play its part in the decarbonisation of the electricity system in NI.

Community

Wind farms help to create sustainable communities that are often otherwise underfunded and struggling for support. A number of local organisations are already benefiting from a Community Fund set up by ABO Wind and if the project goes ahead, areas in and around Gruggandoo will have opportunities to receive support from the fund over the next 20 years. This can benefit everyone in the local area and will provide an important funding boost for community organisations and much badly needed local initiatives.

Environment

If we are to address the issue of climate change, we have to stop burning fossil fuels. Wind energy is a proven technology that presents us with an opportunity to generate more of our electricity from renewables. This is one of the main ways we can protect our environment and make sure it can be enjoyed by future generations just like it has been by us. Ireland has some of the best conditions in the world for wind energy – let’s use it for the good of the planet!

Economy

Wind farms require a lot of investment. If the Gruggandoo project goes ahead – it will need contractors, service providers, hospitality support and materials among other things. It’s a rare opportunity for an investment of this scale in this area and if successful will help to create jobs and support local businesses. It will also generate millions of pounds in business rates for Newry Mourne and Down District Council at a time when needed most.

Support the Gruggandoo Wind Farm project

The planning application for the Gruggandoo Wind Farm project is currently being considered by the Department for Infrastructure, which is the body that will decide whether or not it will be approved.

Members of the public can make submissions to the Department to set out their support for the project and the reasons why they would like to see it going ahead.

If you wish to submit a letter of support for the project, you can do so by simply filling out the form below, downloading and sending a template letter of support from this site, or contacting the Department for Infrastructure directly. All correspondence to the Department should include the following planning reference number: P/2015/0218/F.

Act now to protect South Down for future generations.

By supporting the Gruggandoo Wind Farm project, and other sustainable initiatives, we have the opportunity to create a sustainable future that can be enjoyed by future generations. If you would like to make a written submission in support of the project to the planning authority, feel free to download our template letter as a guide by clicking the button below.

1Your Details

Full Name *

Email Address *

Town *

Postcode *

County *

Please prevent my information from being displayed publicly online

2Why You’re Supporting Us

Environmental Benefits
I am supportive of the Gruggandoo wind farm project because of the environmental benefits it will create. By generating more electricity from renewable sources it will reduce CO2 emissions in NI and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. It will also help NI meet future renewable electricity targets and help us reach net zero carbon emissions in the years ahead. The Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area is one of the lowest contributors when it comes to renewable energy generation in NI; the Gruggandoo project is a chance for it to plays its part in the energy transition as we move towards decarbonisation.

Economic Benefits
I am supportive of the Gruggandoo wind farm project as it will result in significant economic investment in the local area. It will create jobs during the construction phase and require support from local businesses and service providers. Hospitality businesses in the local area will also benefit by providing accommodation and catering for those working on the project. If the planning application is approved, ABO Wins has committed to hosting a ‘Meet the Buyers’ event where local people and businesses can meet ABO Wind and identify opportunities to work with them on the project.

Community Benefits
I am supportive of the Gruggandoo wind farm project as it offers significant community benefits for the local area. Local groups are already benefitting from a Community Fund, established by ABO Wind, and if the development goes ahead funding will be made available to other organisations and initiatives. This will provided much needed support and enable local groups to continue vital work in the local area. The project will also result in substantial business rates for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, which will ultimately benefit households across the council area.