Meath GAA declines Element Power offer and calls off vote

The vote on the acceptance of a substantial sponsorship package which was scheduled to take place on Monday night next, August 11th will not now proceed, Coiste na Mí CLG has announced.

The Country Board, Coiste na Mí CLG has decided that it is not appropriate for a voluntary sporting organisation like the GAA to engage in a complex debate on renewable energy and consequently will decline the offer from Element Power.

Chairman, Conor Tormey thanked Element Power for its generous proposal which would have been worth some €375,000 to the GAA in Meath.

A spokesman for Element Power Ireland said that the company had identified an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a large voluntary sporting association in Co Meath but the company noted and respected the decision.

Element Power remains committed to an extensive Community Benefits Programme worth an additional €3.5million over the lifetime of the Emlagh Wind Farm project.

A spokesperson for the Meath Wind Information Group said that the group warmly welcomed the GAA decision and said it reflected very much the overwhelming opinion of the GAA at grassroots level which in turn reflected the feelings of the people of Co Meath against 'this unwelcome,unneeded development by a multinational conglomerate with no long-term interest in Meath or its people.'