13/06/2014

DoE Urged To Explore All Forms Of Renewable Energy

The Department of the Environment has been urged to explore all forms of renewable energy, Sinn Féin have said.

Speaking at an event at Stormont, which was attended by environmental groups and representatives of the wind energy industries, Barry McElduff, the party's West Tyrone MLA, said: "Events like this are important because it allows all stakeholders to have their say on this issue and that is why Sinn Féin pushed for the committee inquiry on wind energy.

"Sinn Féin has concerns that in order to meet European targets on renewable energy the Department of the Environment is focusing solely on wind energy.

"It is our view that it would be better to explore all forms of renewable energy.

"In areas like West Tyrone in particular communities feel that there seems to be a singular focus on wind energy. It is our duty to raise those concerns.

"The committee will also be visiting Aghyaran in West Tyrone where there a high concentration of wind energy infrastructure.

"During the visit we will meet representatives of the wind energy industry, as well as families whose homes are almost encircled by wind turbines to look at the impact it is having on their lives."

(MH/CD)

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