Massive wind farm plans look likely to be shelved



Proposals to erect thousands of wind turbines across the midlands to export electricity to the UK look likely to be mothballed, national media reports indicate today.


An agreement between the Irish and British governments to permit power to traded between the two countries is now unlikely to go ahead, effectively shelving scores of windfarms across the midlands region.


The lack of agreement will be good news to residents who had mounted huge opposition to the plans in areas where large-scale wind farms were due to be developed to allow the UK to meet renewable energy targets.


Two companies, Mainstream Renewable Power and Element Power, planned to build at least 1,000 wind turbines across large swathes of land in Westmeath, Kildare, Offaly and Laois,
Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte has confirmed a deal with Britain is unlikely to go ahead.


“At this stage, I am doubtful as to whether an intergovernmental agreement can be concluded with the British government,” he said in the national media.
“I met with Minister Ed Davey in Brussels on Tuesday and, following that meeting, I am confirmed in my view.”


A memorandum of understanding was signed between both countries in January last year, designed to facilitate development of trade in renewable energies between both countries.


The Liberal Demotracts support renewable energy but their lead coalition partners, the Conservatives, favour nuclear power and fracking.