Rural Communities Will Benefit From Ireland's Response To Energy Challenge

2008-05-02 18:00:17 - Friday, 02 May 2008 - Speaking today at the Meitheal na Gaoithe Annual Workshop today, Minister of State Tony Killeen TD emphasised the important role of local communities in meeting Ireland's future energy needs and climate change targets.

The workshop, held in Thurles, County Tipperary, provided information and assistance to developers, as well as updates on recent policy developments in the area.

Minister Killeen said, "With the volatility of the price of oil and the challenges of climate change, we have all come to realise the necessity to develop our own indigenous energy supplies. Cleaner, less carbon intensive renewable energy is the power source of the future.'

The Clare T.D. continued, 'We will continue to rely on onshore wind as the primary vehicle to meet our national renewable energy targets. Development of our wind resource will bring the jobs and investment of the future. The ESB have seen the economic sense as well as the environmental imperative of heading down the renewable route.'

'Rural Ireland is contributing enormously to the conversion to renewable energy and it will reap the benefits in the near future. The work being done by Meitheal na Gaoithe will ensure that Ireland has a vibrant wind industry. Rural communities will benefit from these new opportunities while contributing to the fight against climate change', Minister Killeen concluded.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353-868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
High resolution image of Minister Killeen available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)