Background
Meitheal na Gaoithe, the Irish Wind Farmers Co-operative Society Ltd., (MnaG) was formally launched by the former Minister for Public Enterprise, Mary O'Rourke, T.D., on the 17th April 2000.
MnaG is a grassroots organisation representing rural communities and individuals dedicated to promoting and harnessing Ireland's greatest renewable resource, wind energy. MnaG emerged from the desire of a number of interested farmers and like-minded individuals to ensure that harnessing of 'green' energy does not become the sole domain of bigger power generators and supply companies.
MnaG promote local ownership and control of renewable energy projects. In order for communities to reap the maximum benefits from the wind industry, MnaG acts as an effective representative body, which can influence policy direction, together with providing services at ground level.
Our aims
Meitheal na Gaoithe aims to:
- Promote and facilitate the development of small to medium scale projects promoted by both individuals and communities.
- Ensure that the needs of the wider rural community are considered in the process of introducing renewable energies to Ireland.
- Influence the direction and pace of energy policy in Ireland. Negotiate with statutory bodies on issues that concern the rural community and developers of small and medium scale wind energy projects in Ireland.
Board of Directors
MnaG has seven Board members who form the executive of the co-operative.
Principal Directors:
Chairman: Thomas W. Cooke
Treasurer: Pat Blount
Secretary: Ronnie Owens
Secretariat: Jane Wickham from Carlow Kilkenny Energy Agency (CKEA)
