Research carried out for the representative body for the Irish wind industry by Interactions Research, also found that 58 per cent would support the development of a wind farm in their local area, and support, generally, for wind energy among people living in rural Ireland was at 85 per cent. Both of these figures are the highest since the tracking poll began in 2018.
In terms of the recognised benefits of wind power, 45 per cent of people ranked its number one benefit to be cheaper electricity, followed by its role in reducing CO2 emissions (22 per cent) and the environmental benefits (18 per cent). The survey also revealed a growth in positive attitudes towards offshore wind with 83 per cent of those polled saying it would help with Ireland’s energy security. However, just 31 per cent felt Ireland was doing enough, at present, to develop our offshore wind capabilities.
This survey was commissioned by Wind Energy Ireland to measure and track perceptions and attitudes around wind energy among Irish adults. This year’s survey sampled a representative sample of 1,017 Irish adults together with a supplementary booster sample of 201 rural dwellers. Fieldwork took place between November 23 and December 8, 2022.
CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, Noel Cunniffe, welcomed the survey results: “Wind energy is cheaper than fossil fuels, it is clean, and it is increasingly popular among Irish people. Irish wind farms have helped to protect consumers from the worst effects of an energy crisis driven by our dependency on imported fossil fuels while also saving twice as much in carbon emissions as every other renewable energy technology combined.
“The best way out of this energy crisis is to accelerate the development of renewable energy, to ensure more of our power is provided here, at home, creating Irish jobs, supporting local communities and helping to push down prices.”