A major new windfarm will open today in Co Offaly that could create power for more than 45 thousand homes.

The Bord Na Móna windfarm at Mount Lucas has around 30 turbines and costed 115 million euro to build.

However, Wind Aware Ireland, a voluntary group concerned about wind energy, says the plant will only power homes if it has permanent back-up from coal or gas.

Spokesperson Henry Fingleton says wind energy is not a worthwhile way to reduce carbon emissions: