PRESS RELEASE

08 July 2008

ARG 20/07/08

COMMITTEE WILL PUT WIND UP DEPARTMENT

The Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development has stated that they will continue to keep pressure on the Department to resolve the difficulties being experienced with Chinese wind turbines.

Speaking following a meeting with those affected by the turbines and the Department, the Chairperson of the Committee, Dr William McCrea said, “The Committee welcomes the Department’s investigation into this dreadful matter, particularly as it appears to be a move away from their original stance of ignoring the plight of these farmers.

“And we cannot forget that here are farmers, farmers who went into this scheme with a bag full of assurances from the department, who now find themselves out of pocket and with useless turbines. They have waited over two years to get to this stage. I can assure, the Committee is adamant they won’t wait much longer”

The meeting was held in Parliament Buildings and was attended by 10 of 11 recipients of grants for turbines that have subsequently broken down. The Department was also represented by two senior officials.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Chairperson was speaking following a meeting held in the Room 144 in Parliament Buildings.

Participants received funding under the “Wind Energy for Rural Businesses” programme.

Chairperson: Dr. William McCrea

Deputy Chairperson: Mr. Tom Elliott

Committee Members: Mr. P.J. Bradley, Mr. Allan Bresland, Mr. Thomas Burns, Mr. Trevor Clarke, Mr. Willie Clarke, Mr. William Irwin, Mr. Pat Doherty, Mr. Francie Molloy, Mr. George Savage

Media enquiries to:
Debra Savage,
Information Office, Parliament Buildings, Belfast. BT4 3XX
Tel. 028 90521405
Mobile: 07920 864221
Email: debra.savage@niassembly.gov.uk
Website: archive.niassembly.gov.uk