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[Press Release: January 14, 2002] Greens welcome offshore windfarm at Arklow !The Wicklow Greens have welcomed the government's decision to grant a foreshore license for a massive windfarm project 10km off the coast of Arklow. The successful application for a foreshore license was made by the Eirtricity company.The windfarm will span 27km by 2.5 km and will run north to south.According to Green Party councillor, Deirdre de Burca, this proposed windfarm will be three times the combined size of all the other offshore windfarms in the world. "This windfarm will be capable of generating 10pc of the country's electricity needs" she adds. She points out that Eirtricity already has two wind farms and is offering customers its electricity for 10pc less than other producers. The Wicklow Greens were initially concerned about the environmental and visual impact of the 200 giant wind turbines, but have declared themselves satisfied with the environmental impact statement that has been carried out on the windfarm. "The Green Party has been calling on successive governments to develop new green, renewable sources of power to replace the traditional fossil fuel generated electricity, a source of much of our pollution and climate changing greenhouse gas emissions" says councillor Deirdre de Burca. "The future for Ireland's energy needs rests with wind, wave and solar power". For further information please contact Deirdre de Burca on 086 8061450 or email deburca@wicklowgreens.org. |