Renewable energy company Airtricity has begun construction of one of the largest wind farms in Scotland.
The Braes of Doune 72 megawatt wind farm in Stirlingshire has 36 wind turbines and will create 150 new jobs and provide enough electricity to power in the region of 45,000 homes. It is expected to be completed by mid-2006.
Airtricity CEO Eddie O'Connor, speaking at the opening, claimed there was a bias against wind developments in Ireland.
'It is a pleasure to operate in Scotland where there is Government support and the grid company is separate from the generation and supply companies,' he said. Mr O'Connor claimed Ireland was missing out on an opportunity to have competitively priced electricity generation.
The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources said Minister Dempsey would soon be bringing proposals to cabinet on specific details of support mechanisms for the enhanced deployment of renewable energy technologies.
