"As you pay your next ESB bill, keep in mind that Mayo's biggest export is energy. Energy profits here are huge. However, the people of Mayo have been locked out of proper benefit from this Gold Rush in energy profits."
This is according to former Independent councillor, Harry Barrett, who adds: "Unlike other areas around Europe hosting wind farms, Mayo people do not get a reduction in their energy bills, they do not get a chance to invest in local wind operations, and the small amount of community benefit given, is not linked at all to the profits generated by the gas or wind operator.
"This is a shocking dereliction of duty by our local council. Gas and Wind operations in this county give the crumbs from the table to Mayo County Council in terms of community benefit. Corrib Gas made well over a billion euro profit this year and gave less than one million back to Mayo County Council.
"Wind operators get a chunk of our bill every two months in the PSO Levy, to make sure they make a profit. But they are now in a Gold Rush Bonanza situation, making wartime, megaprofits. However, they have not increased their contribution to Mayo County Council by even €1.
"Unbelievably, Mayo County Council is only collecting one-tenth of what it should from the largest wind operation in the country located in North Mayo. Its beyond a joke.
"Enough is enough. Mayo County Council must put together an Energy Committee to negotiate with both gas and wind operators in this county so that community benefit from energy operators is linked to profits. We are talking here about extra millions every year for community projects in this county if this were adopted.
"Community benefit must be linked to profits, not just a flat rate. The difference here involves millions of extra euros for our local economy.
"Every community in County Mayo has a Meals on Wheels operation. Every community has outreach services for elderly people. Every community has sporting and cultural clubs that need support. These vital operations could benefit hugely from the increase in community benefit I speak about. We need action now."
