First Minister Rt Hon Peter D Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have launched renewable energy company, Gaelectric's £20milion windfarm development in Carrickfergus today.

The Carn Hill Windfarm will power up to 8,000 homes with renewable electricity and is the company’s first fully operational windfarm in Northern Ireland.

The First Minister said: "The Executive has placed the growth of a sustainable economy at the heart of its Programme for Government. We have set a target of 20% electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2015.

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"Companies like Gaelectric have the capability to be at the forefront of the drive to develop energy storage technologies which will support the expansion of renewable power that we require."

The deputy First Minister said: "It is very encouraging to see confidence and investment in an area that uses our natural resource as well as the skills and know-how of local people to deliver real economic benefits and jobs.

"The establishment of a local community fund as part of this project, which will eventually deliver £255,000 investment for the direct benefit of local people, demonstrates commitment to ensuring the community has a stake in developments in their area."

(CD)