£20m Windfarm Unveiled

The First and deputy First Ministers Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have launched a new £20m windfarm development in Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim.

The Carn Hill Windfarm will power up to 8,000 homes with renewable electricity and is renewable energy company Gaelectric's first fully operational windfarm in Northern Ireland.

The 13.8 megawatts, six turbine development was granted planning permission by Department of the Environment in 2010.

The First Minister said: "The Executive has placed the growth of a sustainable economy at the heart of its Programme for Government. We have set a target of 20% electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2015.

"Companies like Gaelectric have the capability to be at the forefront of the drive to develop energy storage technologies which will support the expansion of renewable power that we require."

The deputy First Minister added: "It is very encouraging to see confidence and investment in an area that uses our natural resource as well as the skills and know-how of local people to deliver real economic benefits and jobs.

"The establishment of a local community fund as part of this project, which will eventually deliver £255,000 investment for the direct benefit of local people, demonstrates commitment to ensuring the community has a stake in developments in their area."

Environment Minister Alex Attwood said: "Renewable energy is arguably our biggest economic opportunity. Wind farms are part of the story. Today's event is positive proof of what can be achieved.

"We will need to scale up our ambition. We can do that while respecting the needs of residents, landowners and our wonderful heritage.

"The location of this wind farm can be seen coming in and out of Belfast - by car, boat and plane. It sends out the message about the future - a clean and green one."

(IT/CD)