The Fermanagh Trust has been conducting research into the onshore wind industry's relationship with local communities across Northern Ireland and comparing this with other countries.

The research report includes an in-depth examination of good practice models and partnership arrangements between the industry and local communities in other areas.

One of the key findings has been the different models of community engagement and community benefit available in the UK in comparison to Northern Ireland.

The Draft Programme for Government states that the Executive will "encourage industry to achieve 20% of electricity consumption from renewable electricity and 4% renewable heat by 2015". Within that context it is vital that the renewable sector and communities work closely together to ensure that these targets are met and in a way that ensures communities are real partners.

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One of the outcomes of the research has been the development of a range of recommendations which looks at what steps the industry, government and communities can take which will benefit all stakeholders. The research and recommendations will be launched on Friday, 27th January at 10am in the Manor House Hotel, Killadeas, Co. Fermanagh. All community, voluntary sector and interested individuals/organisations are invited to attend and should RSVP to Charlene Black at The Fermanagh Trust on 66320210 or [email protected].

Lauri McCusker, Director of The Fermanagh Trust, urged local people from across Fermanagh and interested individuals and groups from across Northern Ireland to attend.

He said: "Effective community partnership arrangements will benefit the industry, government and communities – and society as a whole. The report and the key recommendations will be of use to communities across Northern Ireland who may be impacted by onshore wind developments and are based on best practice used elsewhere.

"The event will hear from speakers from Scotland who have direct experience of developing effective working relationships between a local community and developers. We firmly believe this research will be of use to all the stakeholders involved in helping the Northern Ireland Executive reach the targets laid out in the draft Programme for Government."

The research has been supported by the Building Change Trust.

(CD/GK)