Committee Will Put Wind Up Department

Session: 2007/2008

Date: 08 July 2008

Reference: AGR 20/07/08

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