Minister for Energy Pat Rabbitte has turned the sod on a new wind energy project in Co Offaly.

Some 30 turbines are to be erected at Mount Lucas as part of a €140 million Bord na Móna investment.

The wind-farm will be capable of generating enough energy to power 50,000 homes, the company said.

Some 150 people will be employed in the construction of the wind farm.

A spokesman said some 50 people were currently working on the project and the remaining 100 would come on stream in the new year. The majority of the positions are already filled, he said.

Mr Rabbitte said the project demonstrated the potential which the Midlands had for "the development of significant renewable energy projects".

"The need to reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels through exploitation of our renewable and efficiency resources has never been greater," he said.