Green Party Convention 2013 Opens with Lively Public Debate on Wind Energy

13th April 2013

Calls for Greater Community Involvement


12th April 2013:
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 tonight. 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.


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'.


Tomorrow delegates will hear from Manchán Magan and Brendan Dunford from Burren Beo on how to help connect communities with their own local environment. The schedule also includes discussions on 'Agriculture and the Green Economy' which calls on Irish farmers to create a sustainable agricultural economy that could keep rural Ireland vibrant and successful.


In the session 'Making a Difference in Our Communities' Green Councillors share what can be achieved as a councillor and discuss their own proud record of achieving positive change on local authorities.



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