Patrick Morrisey writes (50 days in Ireland, 11 January) of American tourists complaining of wind turbines spoiling the Irish landscape, adding that these turbines provide up to 40 per cent of Ireland’s energy needs.
A quick look at the Irish government renewable energy website (SEAI: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) reveals that renewable energy (all forms) only contributes 12.5 per cent of Ireland’s energy needs. Of this 12.5 per cent, wind contributes 58 per cent. Therefore, the wind turbines that are spoiling the Irish landscape provide 7.2 per cent of Ireland’s energy needs, and not 40 per cent.
Not as ugly as open cut mines.
And power stations and smokestacks are soooo beautiful and deliciously fragrant