Require wind turbine blades in Ireland to be painted black
The Issue
The countless numbers of birds, especially large birds of prey, that fall victim to wind turbines constitute a tragic and largely preventable loss. Although wind energy stands as a cleaner, renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuels and is essential for addressing climate change, it comes at a terrible cost to our avian wildlife.
This petition is not about opposing wind energy; rather, it seeks a simple and effective solution to mitigate one of its known adverse impacts on our environment.
Numerous studies, including one pivotal research from Norway, prove that painting just one blade of a wind turbine black can lead to a 70% reduction in bird fatalities. It reduces so-called motion smear, making the blades more visible to birds. In the Norwegian study, large birds of prey benefited the most, showing a massive drop in collision rates.
Furthermore, this simple modification not only saves bird species but also aids in preserving Ireland's rich biodiversity. Birds play critical roles in ecosystems, such as controlling pests, pollinating plants, and dispersing seeds. Their decline would reverberate across the environment, affecting even the human communities that rely on these ecological services.
It's time for our relevant statutory bodies, including the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment; the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU); EIRGRID; An Bord Pleanála; Local Authorities; Marine Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to enforce regulations requiring that a single blade per turbine on all wind farms in Ireland be painted black or striped.
It's also time for each Local Authority and An Bord Pleanála to attach a condition to all future wind turbine planning approvals that single blades must be painted during the manufacturing process.
Your signature can help to advocate for this crucial change. Sign this petition today to call on the authorities to implement this vital measure and ensure that the promise of green energy is fulfilled without compromising our natural heritage.
Paint Blades. Save Birds. It really is that simple!
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The Issue
The countless numbers of birds, especially large birds of prey, that fall victim to wind turbines constitute a tragic and largely preventable loss. Although wind energy stands as a cleaner, renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuels and is essential for addressing climate change, it comes at a terrible cost to our avian wildlife.
This petition is not about opposing wind energy; rather, it seeks a simple and effective solution to mitigate one of its known adverse impacts on our environment.
Numerous studies, including one pivotal research from Norway, prove that painting just one blade of a wind turbine black can lead to a 70% reduction in bird fatalities. It reduces so-called motion smear, making the blades more visible to birds. In the Norwegian study, large birds of prey benefited the most, showing a massive drop in collision rates.
Furthermore, this simple modification not only saves bird species but also aids in preserving Ireland's rich biodiversity. Birds play critical roles in ecosystems, such as controlling pests, pollinating plants, and dispersing seeds. Their decline would reverberate across the environment, affecting even the human communities that rely on these ecological services.
It's time for our relevant statutory bodies, including the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment; the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU); EIRGRID; An Bord Pleanála; Local Authorities; Marine Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to enforce regulations requiring that a single blade per turbine on all wind farms in Ireland be painted black or striped.
It's also time for each Local Authority and An Bord Pleanála to attach a condition to all future wind turbine planning approvals that single blades must be painted during the manufacturing process.
Your signature can help to advocate for this crucial change. Sign this petition today to call on the authorities to implement this vital measure and ensure that the promise of green energy is fulfilled without compromising our natural heritage.
Paint Blades. Save Birds. It really is that simple!
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Petition created on 17 September 2026