The importance of the potential of the wind energy industry to Galway and the west will be underlined next week when Taoiseach Micheal Martin will address a major conference being held in the city to explore the benefits of an industry that could create 3,000 jobs locally over the next decade.
Mr Martin will attend the Port of Galway-hosted conference entitled ‘The Renewable Energy Opportunity for the West of Ireland', on Thursday April 14, in the gHotel from 11am-3pm.
He will give the keynote speech at the event, outlining the potential benefits and the ever increasing importance of having energy independence at a time when the use of energy in Europe has become politicised.
The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD recently announced the commencement of the Maritime Area Consent (MAC ) regime which streamlines the planning proces for offshore wind turbines and simplifies the procedure of applying for permits to deliver offshore wind.
Seven new locations are open for applications around the coast including one near Skerd Rocks off Connemara. This is a vital first step in the wind energy journey for the west of Ireland.
Most of the key players in the wind energy industry in Ireland the UK will be attending the conference in the city as an ever increasing focus is placed on the creation of locally tapped wind energy.
The conference will also include panel discussions on the opportunity renewable energy can play in the economic development of the West of Ireland and the national economy.
