Mr Hannigan said: "Ireland is able to produce more wind energy than it needs, and this MoU is the first step in the process of exporting our wind energy.
"The MoU that has been signed by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, and his UK counterpart, Minister Edward Davey. As part of the MoU, they will look at both the demand and feasibility of developing both onshore and offshore renewable energy resources.
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"If both countries agree, it is hoped that in less than a year, a formal inter-governmental agreement on energy trading could be made. Such an agreement has the potential to create up to 6,000 jobs in the construction phase of a 3,000MW project. As well as that, jobs would also be needed in the maintenance of turbines and in the manufacturing of turbine materials. The knock-on effects of building and maintaining these projects would also be a welcome boost to local economies.
"Ireland has been blessed with a wealth of natural resources, and considering the depletion of fossil fuels, it is well positioned to benefit both environmentally and financially from the green energy market. Minister Rabbitte recognises this potential and I would like to commend him on his continued work in the area of renewable energies."
(CD)
