Around 200 Green Party delegates and members of the general public attended a debate on wind energy chaired by Duncan Stewart at Salthill Hotel Galway.

The meeting, entitled 'Getting Your Wind Up?' attracted interested parties from both sides of the wind energy debate and covered issues including how to improve community involvement and public consultations in the planning process.

-- Advertisement --

Delegates heard concerns from locals regarding the proximity of turbines, noise and property devaluation but also heard arguments in favour of wind energy including cheaper electricity, energy security and job creation.

The debate marks the beginning of the Green Party's three day Convention which this year focuses on 'Energising Communities'.

(CD)