Wind farms favoured by 80%

OVER 80% of people are favourably disposed to constructing more wind farms in Ireland, while over two-thirds are favourable to having a wind-farm built in their locality.

The findings were revealed by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) yesterday when it announced details of a range of new wind energy initiatives.

SEI also unveiled details of a major new Wind Atlas of Ireland, which highlights the energy potential in terms of wind speed and power for each county.

Both initiatives were officially launched in Sligo at SEI’s annual wind energy conference, which was also attended by Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Minister Dermot Ahern.

The new study shows that the overall attitude to wind farms in Ireland is almost entirely positive.

It also found that half of Irish adults were aware of the term “renewable energy”, with wind energy easily the best known type. However, awareness of its contribution to the total fuel supply in Ireland remains low.

The study shows that support for renewable energy is higher in areas where wind farms are planned or operational and that those with direct experience of wind farms in their locality do not, in general, consider that they have had any adverse impact on the scenic beauty and wildlife of the area.

Over 60 percent of those living near wind farms would favour either an additional wind farm in the area or an addition to the existing one.

Very few (less than 3%) formally objected to existing wind farms at the time that planning was being sought. The study also shows that while some developers consult with the local community, there is room for improvement in genuine consultation with those most affected.

At present, there are 29 wind farms in Ireland, with an installed capacity of 170 MW supplying over 110,000 homes and businesses with electricity.