Friends of the Earth Cymru welcome windfarm go-ahead

Friends of the Earth Cymru has welcomed this afternoon's vote in the Welsh Assembly which has cleared the way for construction of the Scarweather Sands windfarm in Swansea Bay. A motion tabled by opponents of the scheme which would have resulted in further debate on the issue was defeated by 34 votes to 16.

Friends of the Earth Cymru gave evidence at the Public Inquiry into the 30 turbine windfarm proposal and has been campaigning for Assembly Members to back the scheme.

Julian Rosser, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru commented:

"It is excellent news that the Assembly has voted to allow this plan to go ahead. The Scarweather Sands windfarm will generate clean, renewable electricity for tens of thousands of people and produce real economic benefits for the area.

"It will show that Wales is ready to throw off the shackles of our fossil fuel past and welcome new industries which will create jobs while protecting the environment. Many Assembly Members must be congratulated for showing leadership on this controversial issue."