Latest News»Wind Farm Report Presented To Ministers Jan 27, 2012 - 9:53:01 AM
Following the publication of the Maximising Community Outcomes from Wind Energy Developments’ in January 2012 the Fermanagh Trust has had a number of very encouraging meetings with a wide range of organisations & agencies.
This has included meetings with Minister for Enterprise Trade & Investment Arlene Foster, Minister of the Environment Alex Attwood and Minister for Agriculture & Rural Development Michelle O’Neill.
Most recently The Fermanagh Trust together with Bryson Energy had a very positive engagement with Minister Michelle O’Neill at Stormont Buildings to discuss the potential for tackling rural poverty & fuel poverty in particular. The meeting was a follow up to earlier discussions based on the Fermanagh Trusts report ‘Maximising Community Outcomes from Wind Energy Developments’.
‘‘We were greatly encouraged by the discussions with Minister O’Neill on the potential opportunities for being innovative & forward thinking in how the Department can work in partnership with a range of organisations to make a positive contribution to addressing rural poverty & rural fuel poverty in particular which is a very difficult area to tackle successfully’’ explained Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust. ‘‘The Minister clearly outlined both the challenges facing her Department & her commitment to working with others to ensure social clauses and community benefits are at the heart of her approach.’’ ‘‘Renewable Energy & Community Benefits falls into the remit of at least three government departments, it has been encouraging to have such positive discussions with government and we look forward to building on these in the coming months’’ emphasised Lauri McCusker.
