Minister Rabbitte on plans for windfarms

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte TD, has told a conference in Tullamore today that “any new wind farms will be subject to the planning acts, including the requirements for public consultation”.

The minister was speaking at an event hosted by the ‘Creating the New Midlands Economy’ initiative, where he also commented, “wind energy projects currently being developed in this region to supply our domestic electricity needs are a great demonstration of the potential the midlands holds for the future generation of power that could be exported to the United Kingdom energy market”.

TDs, local representatives, planners, business groups and potential wind farm suppliers from across the region attended the event, and among the speakers were the Bord na Móna CEO, Gabriel D’Arcy.

Pointing out that his organisation is currently constructing a significant wind energy project at Mount Lucas in County Offaly, Mr D’Arcy said: “It is exactly this type of large-scale investment in energy production that will see significant and sustainable prosperity created across our nationwide landholding.

Ultimately, our plans for a sustainable Bord na Móna Clean Energy Hub will drive jobs and prosperity here by generating power not just for the Irish market but also for the British energy market.”

Tim Cowhig, CEO of Element Power Ireland, said: “Our project will come at no cost to the Irish taxpayer, create badly-needed employment and contribute millions in rental and rate payments to landowners and local authorities respectively.

"That’s not to mention the spin-off economic benefits for the midlands which this workshop will explore. I would urge all stakeholders to co-operate fully with each other at every opportunity to ensure we deliver this exciting new industry for Ireland”.

• Since 2011, a range of stakeholders in enterprise and economic development have been working together through the ‘Creating the New Midlands Economy’ initiative to identify growth opportunities and build connections in the business community. At a number of innovative and engaging workshops, a number of opportunities were identified for the region in the future. One of these was the potential for the region to be a leader in clean and green energy.

• Bord na Móna is investing €110m in the Mount Lucas wind farm, which will involve the construction of 28 wind turbines. When it’s up and running the wind farm will have the capacity to provide electricity for up to 45,000 homes.

• Element Power Ireland is planning to build up to 40 wind farms in the midlands and export all the power generated to the UK.

• Mainstream Renewable Power is planning to deliver 5,000MW wind energy; 1,200MW in the midlands and the remainder in the Irish Sea, to the UK.

• Last year the government launched its Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012-2020, which identifies the export of renewable energy as one of five strategic goals for the state.