The ‘enormous potential of renewable energies to transform the economy of the Border, Midland and Western (BMW ) Region’ was highlighted by Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte in his address to the BMW Regional Assembly’s annual conference at the TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar, this week, which was attended by 170 delegates. Minister Rabbitte stated that the exploitation of wind and wave resources offered huge opportunities for regional development.
At the conference Peter Hynes, Mayo county manager, set out a vision for Mayo to become a ‘world leader’ in the provision of renewable energy and called for a simplification of the regulatory regime, highlighting the importance of community consultation at an early stage of any renewable energy project.
Maurice McCarthy, director of Organic Power Ltd, presented an overview of a proposed hydro-electric, wind and wave generation facility on the County Mayo coast with the potential to export electricity to the UK. He emphasised the significant job creation potential, starting with 1,000 jobs during the three-year period of construction and 250 permanent local jobs.
Further information on the conference is available at www.bmwassembly.ie
