Sir, - To help meet our energy needs more cleanly and sustainably, I would like to suggest that a large offshore windfarm be installed a few miles outside Dublin Bay.
The use of wind energy to generate electricity on land is well established in Europe. In recent years offshore windfarms have also been installed off the coasts of Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden. In view of major plans for offshore wind development in these countries, wind turbine manufacturers are busy developing larger machines specifically for this market.
An offshore windfarm consisting of 150 large turbines, sited near the Kish lighthouse could provide 20 per cent of Dublin's electricity. The development, which would cost around £300 million, could be commissioned by Dublin Corporation and the three county councils, after which shares in the project could be sold to Dubliners.
I believe the windfarm would become a valued part of the views from Howth Head and Dalkey Hill, in harmony with the sailing boats which are also driven by wind. As a safe, non-polluting energy source bordering the Irish Sea, it could be looked on as Ireland's answer to Sellafield. - Yours, etc.,
Ciaran King,
Croydon Green,
Marino,
Dublin 3.