IFA sees scope for local renewable energy

The Irish Farmers Association is to work towards the establishment of a new community renewable energy business.

Deputy president Tim O’Leary, confirming the move, said it will be aimed at providing rural communities with an opportunity to participate in and benefit from future renewable projects.

“To date the majority of renewable energy projects developed in Ireland have been driven by the corporate sector,”. he said

“Their scale and strategy have left many communities divided and rejecting renewables.

“Community-based renewable projects can, if developed properly, have a real lasting benefit for communities and it is the intention of the new initiative to ensure that these benefits are maximised for farmers and local communities.”

Mr O’ Leary said Ireland faces significant challenges in meeting current EU renewable energy and climate obligations.

Farmers want to do all they can to help address this issue as part of their contribution to the expansion plans for the sector.

“It is clear that more renewables are necessary if Ireland is to avoid facing significant annual fines in the years ahead,” he said.