Galway is set to become an all‐Ireland leader in renewable wind energy production, bringing with it a potential €850m investment, the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) said.

Caitríona Diviney, COO of IWEA said that Galway is poised to become a national hub for Irish renewable energy.

"Galway has set itself a clear target for 2020 of producing 500MW of electricity from wind, and if followed through can become the gem in the Irish renewable energy crown, contributing at least one‐eighth of the renewable power required to meet our national 2020 EU renewable energy target.

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"The entire county will benefit from a firm commitment to wind energy through jobs, local investment and community benefit programmes, and to date Galway's leadership in supporting this has been outstanding.

"A combination of supportive communities, a turbine manufacturer in Athenry and wind energy developers, supportive academics, namely those of the Ryan Institute in NUI Galway, and respected research organisations, like that of the Marine Institute, all help to position Galway as Ireland's renewable energy capital."

In order for Galway to realise the potential wind power has for the county, IWEA has highlighted the need for the current review of the County Development Plan to maintain focus and commitment to wind power development and ensure momentum in earmarking additional lands in the County for renewable development.

(CD/JP)