He says Ireland has growing energy demands we need to meet.
An Offaly councillor is welcoming plans to build the midlands latest windfarm on bogland rather than on farms.
The development - along the Offaly/Kildare border and proposed by Bord na Móna - would be the largest in the country.
Fine Gael rep Noel Cribbin says local residents must be included in the planning process.
But he admits Ireland needs to find ways to meet our growing energy demand - especially with the Shannonbridge and Lanesborough power stations now closed: