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.