Rathlin Island aid welcomed by Cunningham

BALLYCASTLE SDLP councillor Dónal Cunningham has warmly welcomed the decision by Moyle District Council to grant aid Rathlin Development and Community Association’s funding for their Renewable Energy Project through the Community Infrastructure Fund.

He said: “The project which proposes to install a three-bladed 250kw wind turbine will be the first community managed renewable energy project of its kind in the North. It will move the island further away from its reliance on fossil fuels and help develop Rathlin as a carbon neutral island generating electricity from renewable sources

“The award of £4,225 will be used to fund technical costs and surveys required to bring the project to planning application stage. This is an excellent project; it presents fantastic opportunities in terms of community empowerment and as an environmental project. As well as the obvious environmental advantages of renewable energy, it also offers the island community the opportunity to generate income and employment. I congratulate the dynamism of the Rathlin Development and Community Association and wish them every success in this and other projects.”