Eddie O’Connor of Mainstream Renewable Power, writing (Irish Times, December 19th) about economic stagnation, suggests that “building a new green economy” based on “an economic model that will enrich ordinary people and protect the planet” is the way forward. I would agree with him that “we cannot tolerate a business as usual scenario” in respect of economic development dependent on“cheap energy, no environmental constraints and constant population growth.

I believe Ireland can play an effective and sustainable part in securing its energy needs and earning badly needed export revenue. After all, as Dr O’Connor’s company says on its website, “the cost of the fuel is free”. It is blowing around us and, as the wind-energy companies know, the higher one goes the stronger it is. Therefore it would be fair to say it is a community resource, and one that I think should benefit the community.

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