Wind energy opportunities to be explored at Tullamore conference

Wind energy opportunities for the midlands are to be explored at a key conference in Tullamore next Friday, March 8.

The conference - “Midlands Wind Energy Opportunities” - will take place from 9am until 1pm at the Tullamore Court Hotel.

An initiative of “Creating the New Midlands Economy”, which itself was organised by Bord na Mona and the Midlands Chamber, the conference will be attended by Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte.

Next Friday’s conference is expected to explore the proposed transformation of the midlands economy into a national and international supplier of clean energy. At the conference Minister Rabbitte will also outline the government direction on wind energy development.

Speaking today (Friday) initiative spokesperson Dominic Doheny said the event is a keystone. “There is a lot of interest and speculation regarding the various plans to establish the midlands as a major supplier of wind energy,” he said.

“This event will see all the key community and business stakeholders coming together with the developers of the wind industry to identify the benefits of this development and to chart the best course for the region.

“Everyone recognises this development is vitally important for the future of Ireland and the midlands region where the energy will be produced,” he added. “The event on Friday is a foundational moment for what I think will be the beginning of a very exciting era for the entire country and specifically the people of the midlands.”