Press Releases
O’Malley criticises Government inaction on renewable energy
Progressive Democrats TD Fiona O’Malley has this evening strongly criticised the Government for its failure to fully support and incentivise the development of renewable energy sources.
Deputy O’Malley was commenting after the opening by Airtricity of the Meentycat Wind energy Farm in Co. Donegal, which will power 44,000 homes in Donegal and secure electricity supply in an area where the national grid is weakest.
‘This is the last wind farm that Airtricity will develop in Ireland because of what the company perceives as a failure by the Irish Government to support the development of wind energy.’
‘There is a lot of talk about the importance of developing renewable energy and meeting our Kyoto targets. However, real action has not been forthcoming in the form of badly needed tax incentives.’
‘Ireland is lagging far behind its European neighbours in terms of incentivising innovation in the renewable energy sector. Ireland possesses the best natural environment and geographical location to develop wind energy. It is a disgrace that we have not harnessed these resources and that we are not facilitating those who are pioneers in this field. ’
‘The decision by Airtricity to abandon the Irish market must be treated as a serious wake-up call for the Irish Government. It is now time to act.’