Countryside Alliance Ireland - love the countryside

HAVE YOUR SAY ON WIND FARMS IN N.I.

CAI members are being given a special opportunity to participate in research currently being undertaken Queen's University Belfast into the issues surrounding the proposed wind farm development at Tunes Plateau/Tunns Bank, off the North Coast.

The research team are particularly keen to hear from people from the North Coast area and the wider countryside who would have an opinion on that specific proposal. Details of the proposal can be accessed via the developer’s website at: http://www.b9energy.co.uk/offshore_tunes.htm

There are arguments for and against this proposal. Those supporting the proposal argue that it is appropriate because the North Coast has been identified as having some of the greatest potential in the UK for wind energy backed by reported high public support for renewable energy. Others have been critical of the planning system and also raised the trans-national issue of ownership of the seabed and questioned who will benefit from the scheme.

There has been little in-depth research, investigating the complexity and variety of factors that may inform the public and lead them to form an attitude towards wind farm proposals. As a result of this the research team is very keen to the hear from those both opposed to and in favour of the Tunes proposal

The research is currently in its second stage and looking for participants to take part in a simple exercise, which involves sorting a series of statements into a preferred order. This can be carried out in either a paper or electronic web based format.

This is an issue that has concerned many CAI members. We are therefore pleased to be able to provide our members with the opportunity to participate in this research and would encourage members in the area to have their say. To participate email or telephone Clive Robinson at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Tel: 028 9097 6526.

The research team are also very interested in meeting with some people in person. They do not have to be a technical expert on wind farms but simply have an opinion on wind farm development.

For further information visit http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/REDOWelcome/ or contact Clive Robinson on the information above.