Sinn Fein is calling for a public consultation to be carried out at every stage of potential wind turbine projects.

The party made the call after it consulted with Irish Energy stakeholders in the European Parliament. Four MEPs voted in favour of the renewable energy progress report.

Ms Ní Riada said: "Whilst Sinn Féin supports the maximum use of renewable energy sources and we believe that we must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and our dependence on imported energy sources. However, we must ensure that all energy projects (such as wind turbines) are carried out in partnership with local communities.

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"The report that we voted in favour of during the plenary stressed the importance of public participation from an early stage in boosting environmentally friendly renewable energy projects while taking account of local conditions.

"Energy companies, such as those that I met with this week have the knowledge, the resources and the know-how to get what they want, and to get it quickly, whereas local communities may not have the same awareness."

(CD/LM)