The Minister's announcement, that a framework which will guide An Bord Pleanála when considering any proposals for wind energy export projects, will be prepared by his Department over the next 12 months, is a positive step and will lead to the development of a clear national planning context for Renewable Energy Export. The framework will be based on a Strategic Environmental Assessment.
"This is very welcome news and means that An Bord Pleanála will have a clear framework to guide it once a planning application is made. It allows for greater communication and co-ordination between planners at local and national level.
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"Furthermore, it means that all stakeholders including local communities, local authorities and wind energy promoters will have an input into how best to harness an abundant and surplus natural resource and develop a new export industry for Ireland in the process.
"Element Power sees this as another very important milestone for the Greenwire project. Added to the fact that grid connection contracts were signed with UK National Grid in July 2012, the commencement of environmental impact studies on potential Greenwire sites in the Midlands last October, the publication of the UK Energy Bill as well as the Memorandum of Understanding which was signed by British Energy Secretary, Ed Davey and Minister Rabbitte in January last, it means that real progress is being made on delivering this exciting new opportunity for the Midlands and Ireland Inc," said CEO of Element Power Ireland, Tim Cowhig.
Mr Cowhig said that people have nothing to fear from wind energy and said his company is committed to providing factual information about the wind energy sector through a series of public information days which have been ongoing in counties Kildare, Laois, Meath, Offaly and Westmeath for the last two months.
(CD/JP)
