4 August 2004

PRESS RELEASE

Green Party welcomes new wind farm proposals but urges caution on scenic area sites

The Green Party today welcomed proposals to increase the number of wind farms in Ireland but urged caution over scenic area sites.

Green Party spokesperson on Housing, Heritage and Local Government, Ciarán Cuffe TD, said today that, “It is important that we protect our scenic areas and many of the best sites for wind farms are also located in areas that attract tourists. We need to strike the right balance between encouraging renewable energy and protecting scenic areas.”

“The Green Party is calling on Minister Cullen to provide additional resources so that cash-strapped local authorities can meet the goals set by the Minister. Martin Cullen should also ensure that the ESB accepts more electricity connections from wind farms as the ESB has been stalling on this issue in recent months.”

“I would hope that Minister Cullen’s proposals reveal a change of heart regarding Ireland’s climate change strategy as his actions to date have not reflected any great concern for the environment,” concluded Deputy Cuffe.

ENDS/

Ciarán Cuffe is a TD for the Dún Laoghaire Dáil Constituency. Ciarán can be contacted at Dáil Éireann, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 or 96 Patrick Street, Dún Laoghaire Tel. 284 6060 or 618 3082, Fax 618 4341, Email Ciaran CiaranCuffe.com, or Text Ciaran on 087 265 2075.