Public asked for opinions on wind farms

Anyone with concerns about proposed large-scale wind farms is being asked to contact the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

It has launched a public consultation on the Renewable Energy Export Policy.

Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte signed an agreement with the UK on supplying electricity from renewables to Britain last January.

"I have previously stated that the views of local communities must be at the heart of the transition to renewable energy," said Minister Rabbitte.

"As a country we have a potential opportunity to realise significant economic benefits from trading our abundant renewable resources with other EU member states.

"This consultation gives all interested parties an opportunity, at the outset, to present their views on how we should develop national policy to realise this opportunity."

The closing date for written submissions, by email to [e-mail] or by post to Alan Duggan, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Division, Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, 29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, is 5.30pm on Friday, November 22.