The Government needs to do all they can to facilitate major new wind power infrastructure in the Midlands, according to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF).

The CIF believes such a project will create substantial employment opportunities and allow Ireland to export wind energy, further strengthening the Government's finances.

The CIF were speaking ahead of a major conference in Tullamore, which will outline the benefits to Irish businesses from one of the proposed projects. CIF Director General Tom Parlon will be amongst the speakers at the event.

Speaking ahead of the conference, CIF Director General Tom Parlon said: "A project like this could have major implications for the country. It would allow us to export wind energy, which could have a dramatic impact on the balance of payments in years to come and would attract greater revenue for our economy.

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"The implications for the construction industry would also be massive. There would be a considerable number of construction jobs generated by a project like this. You'd be taking hundreds – if not thousands – of former construction workers off the dole queues. In particular the electrical contractors and the civil engineers would benefit – both sectors of the industry, which have really felt the pressure of decreased activity.

"For these reasons we are urging the Government to do all they can to make this type of project a reality and to ensure that this much needed infrastructure is given the green light in the near future. The CIF will be backing the principle of this project in future engagements with the Government."

Mr Parlon's remarks were echoed by the relevant sectors within the construction industry.

(CD/MH)