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3 December 2009
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Lough Foyle, The Tuns Sandbank

Developers view the sandbank as a potential site for building an off-shore wind farm.

Article written by Brian Willis.

County Antrim

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This sandbank in the mouth of the Foyle Estuary is in the news these days, as it is here developers are considering building an off-shore wind farm of up to 60 turbines.

The Tuns (sometimes called "Tunes") are approximately 5km from the shore and although normally below water have been described as Ulster's Goodwin Sands.

Usually underwater, they were the scene of a charity rugby match when they emerged in July 1994 (some say the first time they'd appeared for 50 years). Lots of people attended and there were even visitors from Canada and America there. All arrived by boat.

Were you one of the participants? Did you take any photos? I would love to hear more about this unusual fixture, and see some snaps.

Cartoon of sea god holding windmill
Sea God

Incidentally the Tuns is supposedly where the sea god Manannan Lir (McLir) was born. However, I haven't seen that mentioned in all the columns of print devoted to the wind farm proposal so far. I wonder if a sea god would be happy sharing his birthplace with a load of windmills?


It is possible a carved head on a rock off the coast of Ballycastle is of this sea god.

Were you at that match? Did you play in it? Have you any photos?
How do you feel about the plans to site a wind farm on the sandbank?
Why not e-mail us here at ypam-online@bbc.co.uk or post a comment directly onto the site.
(NI Editor)


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