With perfect weather conditions, the Chilla Against Turbines committee launched the balloon on Sunday, March 15 to demonstrate how high 410 feet (125m) is.

Crowds of people turned up to support the event at Windrift Farm, Beara Cross to see the spectacle, and television cameras were also there to film the event.

Everyone was left in no doubt of the devastating impact that the 15 proposed turbines would have on the unspoilt Chilla valley. Along with photos from the immediate vicinity, people sent in shots from as far away as 6km, who could also clearly see the blimp — all of which can be viewed on the website (http://www.chilla-against-turbines.co.uk">www.chilla-against-turbines.co.uk).

"The fact that the balloon itself was only 20 feet long but could still be seen from such distances only goes to prove that the blades (which are equivalent to the span of a jumbo jet) and structures will dominate the landscape from far and wide," said Roy Houghton, CAT

chairman.

He continued: "Whilst we were unable to demonstrate the huge span of the blades, the damage that will inevitably be caused by up to 20m deep concrete footings the size of half a football pitch each, the motorway sized access site road that will need to be built plus the substation and pylons that will further blight the landscape, at least we alerted people in the vicinity to the visual impact regarding height."

Geoff and Wendy Bowden, who live at Windrift Farm said: "We are devastated by the proposal to build an industrial wind farm installation on our doorstep. Whilst we appreciate the need for alternative energy sources, wind turbines should be erected on suitable sites and not in such close proximity to residential dwellings.

"The nearest property is only 513m from a turbine, despite Scottish Power recommending that it be at least 1km away."