Windfarms 'about creating wealth for Ireland', minister says

The Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte has urged those concerned about proposed windfarms for the midlands to view them in a positive light.

Opposition has been growing across Meath, Westmeath, Offaly, Laois and Kildare to plans to erect up to 2,000 wind turbines.

The power generated is mainly for export to the UK.

Two companies, Mainstream Renewable Power and Element Power are behind the biggest project, which will see some of the world's largest wind turbines erected across the midlands.

Bórd na Móna is also planning a windfarm at Mount Lucas in Co Offaly.

Speaking to Midlands radio, Rabbitte said: "This is about jobs and creating wealth for Ireland.

"Why is the emphasis on the protest and not that we are creating new jobs in a sector that is renewable and brings down the cost of energy to Ireland? It creates a whole new possibility, it's a sector that wasn't there before."