Noel Cribbin

Let's tempt wind turbine manufacturers to Offaly - Cribbin

An Edenderry councillor has mooted the idea of tempting overseas wind turbine manufacturers to set up in the midlands via low tax or even tax exempt bases. Cllor Noel Cribbin said the move would ensure long term sustainable jobs in the midlands. Over the past two months two companies - Mainstream Renewable Power and Element Power - have announced midland wind energy projects totalling 8,000MW. The number of turbines needed for this combined output is not set in stone, however a spokesperson for Element Power said between 500 and 700 turbines would be needed for its 3,000MW project. Cllr Cribbin claimed the projects combined dwarf the current largest windfarm project in the world, and the opportunity it presents for the midlands should not be let pass. "There should be more in it for the people of north Offaly," he said this week. "Why don't we go to the manufacturer and suggest setting up a base in Ireland?" Cllr Cribbin said that in the absence of harnessing wind turbine manufacturers the area will just get short term employment. "While they're being put up there'll be work," he said. "When they're up they're up." Cllr Cribbin said a meeting has been arranged for Mainstream Renewable Power's Development Manager Diarmuid Twomey, himself and fellow councillor John Foley for next Wednesday to discuss all issues. He said he has also been in contact with Offaly deputies Marcella Corcoran Kennedy and Barry Cowen about his proposals, and has received support for them from Westmeath TD Willie Penrose. "It's a great opportunity," he said of the proposed projects. "Why not look at the big picture and get long term sustainable jobs in the area?"