wind

80 percent of Irish population support wind power survey finds

Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) welcomes results of poll revealing strong support for wind turbines in Ireland
80 percent of Irish population support wind power survey finds

An opinion poll conducted by Ipsos MRBI on behalf of the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) has found that 80 percent of people in Ireland support wind power. The results, taken from a poll of 916 respondents, were strongly welcomed by IWEA.

““This is a clear indication that there is widespread support for wind energy in Ireland” said Kenneth Matthews, CEO of IWEA. “The support shown for the installation of wind farms emphasises that many Irish people see wind energy as a real alternative which will help stabilise their energy bills and also benefit Ireland in terms of jobs and investment to the local economy. The strong support for wind, as illustrated through this poll, should serve as a positive marker for policy-makers to continue the transition to a green economy and embrace all of the benefits that can be accrued.”

IWEA held its Annual Conference, “Irish Wind Power – Our Competitive Advantage”, yesterday, the 27th March, which also saw the publication of IWEA’s “Best Practice Principles in Community Engagement & Community Commitment”  policy document which sets out clear guidelines for IWEA members to follow. The aim is to try and ensure as far as possible that the views of local communities are considered at all stages of development and that local people can share the benefits of a project.

“I very much welcome the initiative of the IWEA to develop these voluntary community engagement and community commitment guidelines for their members” said the Irish Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Pat Rabitte, speaking at the conference yesterday. “The imperatives of climate change and energy security necessitate the switch to renewable energy. Ireland has abundant and excellent wind resources which will play a central part in our new electricity mix.”

Kenneth Matthews added that it is essential for local communities to be engaged and consulted and that the IWEA principles show how this can be achieved.

“The community and its support are an essential part of every wind development in Ireland and we’re confident this policy document outlines a responsible approach to ensuring continual long-term local support for such developments” Mr Matthews said. “Not only will widespread community engagement bring local support for wind developments, it will have significant economic and environmental benefits. Already, wind energy provided approximately €11.5m in local authority rates in 2012. There are many excellent examples of initiatives involving positive engagement and delivery of tangible social and economic benefits for local communities from IWEA members, which often go unreported.”

IWEA was established in 1993 and is the national body representing the wind energy sector in Ireland. It is also dedicated to education and awareness building as well as building the skills base of the renewable energy sector in Ireland. The association has more than 200 members and acts as a central point for information as well as a voice to promote wind energy development to government.

Further information:

Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA)

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