EXPERTS tell us Ireland has the best ocean wind and wave power in Europe, so why then are developers pressing ahead with controversial wind farms on land? A mindset objecting to turbines and overland pylons — similar to the public mood opposing dumps in the past — is growing, with communities up in arms around the country.

Harnessing Ireland’s offshore wind and wave energy is vital to help the country to slash its carbon emissions by 2020, an inaugural Oireachtas Committee said today.

A new report says offshore wind could make up to €3.8bn for the economy.

Minister for Energy, Eamon Ryan has announced financial incentives aimed at attracting more wind-power providers into the Irish market.