Report: Wind energy can create 35,000 jobs in Ireland

A new report claims up to 35,000 jobs could be created in the wind energy sector by 2020.

The study, carried by the ESRI and Trinity College for The Irish Wind Energy Association, says wind farms have the potential to drive economic growth and harness employment in rural areas.

It says between 8,000 and 35,000 jobs can be created depending on the level of investment - assuming the planning permission is granted.

Kenneth Matthews of the Irish Wind Energy Association says he is confident the sector can double in size by 2020 and can flourish beyond that with investment.