In the wake of the collapse of the Midlands wind project, Minister for Energy Pat Rabbitte has admitted there is a need for national strategy

In a meeting with the IFA, Minister Rabbitte confirmed the urgent need for a national energy plan and strengthening wind and biomass energy policy to protect rural communities and provide an alternative income stream for farmers.

IFA president Eddie Downey welcomed Minister Rabbitte’s commitment to a review of the sector.

“I welcome Minister Rabbitte’s commitment to publish an energy green paper and develop a national energy plan.

“Farm families and rural communities deserve clarity. We must know where energy policy is going in this country,” Downey said.

Meanwhile, despite Minister Rabbitte declaring uncertainty over the future of the Midlands wind project, two of the companies behind the energy export project have made second-year option payments to landowners.

Hundreds of landowners signed option agreements with Element and Mainstream for the use of their land for wind turbines.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands both companies issued second-year payments to landowners in the past couple of months.

A source in one of the energy companies confirmed payments had been issued recently.

“Everything that has been agreed will be honoured until something changes,” the source said.