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:
Drug-Driving Surge Sparks Calls For Christmas Crackdown
Revenue Seize Over €243k In Contraband In The Midlands
Tributes Paid To Laois Man Following Accident
Midlands Hospice Planning Application Passed By Offaly County Council
Tolü Makay Joins Cast of DWTS Ireland
HSE Warn Flu Season Is Most Severe In Years
Laois Motorist Caught Speeding At 149 km/h
Offaly Woman Opposing Removal Of Roadside Memorial Removals
White Christmas Possible For Midlands
Midlands Campaign Urges Church To Explain McGregor Wedding Decision
Gardaí Search Suspected Westmeath Brothel
Offaly TD Backs Taoiseach Ahead Of Fianna Fail Campaign Review
Westmeath Distillery Showcased At European Parliament
Mental Health Charity Launches Festive Support Groups Over Christmas
Midlands Man Acquitted Of Father’s Murder On Grounds Of Insanity
I Hope My Son Has A Farm To Come Home To - IFA President
Ticket Prices Set To Rise For National Ploughing Championships
Taoiseach Warns Of Threats To Energy And Communication Cables
Irish Farmers To Join EU-Wide Protest In Brussels
Four Men Released Without Charge After Midlands Prison Assault Arrests