Moyle chair calls for Ballycastle to be tidal energy hub

Newly elected Chair of Moyle Council, Dónal Cunningham has called for Ballycastle to become the hub for tidal energy research and development.

Speaking after attending a public information event with the Fair Head Tidal Energy Project who are proposing 100MW renewable

energy plant powered purely by the tide. SDLP Councillor Cunningham said, ”Tidal energy represents a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable solution to low carbon power generation.

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“We have two significant and exciting projects in the pipeline for the tidal streams off Fair Head and Torr Head, to me it makes real business sense for the area to become a centre for marine energy research, fabrication and deployment supply chain. “We need to capitalise on our unique position and natural resources to create jobs and opportunities for the area

“The Fair Heaad project is being developed by DP Energy and DEME solutions will generate the equivalent electricity to power

an estimated 70,000 homes by 2020. The development area is centred approximately 2km to the east of Fair Head off the north Antrim coast and around 1km at its nearest point to land.

“A lot needs to be done to strengthen our capabilities, Council, DETI, Invest NI all need to work together so that the area can support the growth and the successful delivery of the tidal energy projects and maximise the possibility of jobs which our

geographical location should provide us.”

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