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Agriculture and Rural Development Committee receives review

Tuesday, 9 December 2008

The final report of the Review of the Wind Energy for Rural Businesses project has been formally presented to the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.

The Review which was commissioned by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development investigated a number of issues and problems associated with how the scheme was administered, and sets out recommendations for the way forward.

Amongst the key recommendations presented is that DARD should consider making an offer of an ex-gratia payment to cover some of the costs incurred by each of the 11 applicants who, under this scheme, purchased Powerbreeze turbines.

Commenting on the findings of the Review, Dr Malcolm McKibbin, Permanent Secretary, DARD, said: “DARD carried out about 440 projects in this programme and the Wind Energy Project is the only one to have had significant problems.

The principle of producing energy from wind turbines is a sound one and for this reason, DARD is keen that the technology should be deployed as widely as possible.

The problems with some of the wind turbines supported by this scheme are regrettable and the report addresses the circumstances comprehensively.

We are anxious to help those involved get past this difficult situation and my acceptance of the Review Team’s recommendations is a genuine and a positive attempt to try and assist with the resolution of the problems. ”

The full report can be accessed on the DARD websitelink to external website

Notes to Editors:

  1. The Wind Energy For Rural Businesses project (WERB) was one of number of projects funded under the EU programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity, which ran from 2001 - 2006.
  2. The project provided grant aid to 26 small rural businesses to invest in wind turbines.
  3. The Review was requested by Dr Malcolm McKibbin, Permanent Secretary, DARD.
  4. All media queries to DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.