Estimated 6,000 at anti windfarm and pylons rally

The turnout from Westmeath today in the anti windfarms and pylons rally in Dublin didn’t in the end translate into the thousands anticipated.

It is estimated the overall turnout however, which included groups from all counties including the Taoiseach’s own native Mayo, was close 6,000.

Westmeath nonetheless was strongly represented at the event where calls were made for the Government to look at alternative energy solutions, including the conversion of the Ardnacrusha Power Plant to biomass use and the retrofitting of energy inefficient dwellings with an overall focus on energy usage reductions.

Westmeath TDs, Willie Penrose and Robert Troy turned out to meet protesters, as did European candidates, Marian Harkin and Luke 'Ming' Flanagan, as well as several Westmeath county councillors also attended the march.