Mr. Kevin O'Donovan:

Typically, when a wind farm development is being considered the first stage is to look at suitable areas and identify them for wind development. That process involved looking at areas that are environmentally designated and carrying out a detailed analysis to identify regions that could be suitable for development. As part of that one has to meet landowners and see if they are interested in considering wind development projects. Agreements would be made with landlords to investigate the development of wind farms on their lands. We have option agreements in place with private landowners and with Coillte as well. Coillte lands have been used quite a lot for wind development already in other parts of the country. We are at the stage now of assessing those lands where we have agreements with the landowners to determine if the sites are suitable.

In terms of the local community dividend and community groups supporting the project, we have an office set up in Tullamore with a team which specialises in going out and meeting local community groups. We have published thousands of newsletters. We have a website and a lo-call phone number. The idea is to get feedback from the community in terms of reaction to the project. A range of reactions have been received to date. We found engaging directly with community groups to be very successful. We try to explain what is involved in the project, the stage it is at and at the fact that there is still a long process prior to the development of the project. The groups range from local voluntary groups, development groups, sporting organisations, local societies and anyone who wants to talk to our team in Tullamore.