Updated 07.55

Plans to erect thousands of wind turbines across the midlands have been shelved.

The Irish Independent says plans for 40 windfarms have been scrapped as an agreement between Britain and Ireland on selling electricity to the UK is unlikely to go ahead.

The Independent reports that the agreement is falling apart over concerns raised at community level about the massive wind turbines.

The plans to erect at least 1,000 turbines across Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois were highly controversial and spawned months of protests.

It now appears that the plans won't go ahead, after an energy exporting deal between the Irish and British governments was shelved.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte says he's doubtful about the future of the plan and can't see the energy export project going ahead "as envisaged".

As many as 40 windfarms will now be mothballed - however, it doesn't mark the end of wind energy projects in Ireland, with as many as 180 farms on course to come on stream by 2020.