Board of Directors

Chairman: Thomas W. Cooke
As Chairman of Meitheal na Gaoithe, Thomas Cooke brings both a farming backround and community expertise to the Board. He is a dairy farmer and renewable energy developer based on the Tipperary Kilkenny Border in South East Ireland. He has been involved in community development at a local and national level. Thomas is the ICMSA the spokesman on renewable energy and he represents the independent wind energy development sector on the government sponsored Renewable Energy Development Group which is a national body with advisory functions to government on the renewable industry generally. Thomas owns the company Biogas Environmental Tipperary East Ltd – B.E.T.E. and he is currently in the process of developing a biogas plant on his farm.

Treasurer: Pat Blount
Pat is currently the treasurer of Meitheal na Gaoithe and a Wind Farm Developer with two operational wind farms. In his industry representative role he actively participates in negotiations with government and the industry regulatory authorities. Pat is currently an industry representative on the “Gate 3” Grid Connection Liaison Group overseeing the implementation of the grid connection offer process under the chairmanship of the CER.
Pat’s other business interests include a retail business, a Christmas tree farm and a property portfolio.

Secretary: Ronnie Owens
Ronnie Owens, like the Chairperson, brings all the experience of being involved with a farming organisation at national level. In Ronnie's case, his long term active involvement with the I.F.A. and the farming sector has given him first hand experience of issues relating to the implications of renewable energy in rural Ireland. He has also been involved with Meath LEADER.