A new opinion poll, commissioned by the Irish Wind Energy Association, shows that a majority of people in rural Ireland would support a wind farm being built in their area.
The majority in rural Ireland, around 52%, would support a wind farm in their area while opposition is at 15%.
Key reasons for supporting wind energy in the survey were identified as good energy source, good for the environment and job creation.
The poll, by Interactions, found that support for wind energy nationally is at 82% with 50% “strongly in favour”.
Opposition to wind energy is at 4%, consistent with the findings of other opinion polls in recent years, the association said.
Interactions also carried out additional surveys among adults living in rural Ireland and found strong support for wind energy generally and for the development of local wind farms.
Irish Wind Energy Association CEO David Connolly said: “Wind energy is a clean, cheap and popular source of power.
“Last year we provided almost 40% of Ireland’s electricity demand and today’s poll shows support for wind energy is as strong as ever.
“It is clear the Irish people want to see more renewable energy to cut our CO2 emissions, to cut the price of electricity on the wholesale market and to create jobs at home instead of importing fossil fuels.”