Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have an opportunity to speak on the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2012 and thank Deputies Colreavy and Stanley for introducing it. Its subject matter is relevant to my constituents in Meath East and Meath West. While I welcome the Bill, I am disappointed but not surprised it has been used as another political football. Last night, I listened to accusations from opposite that Fine Gael councillors in County Meath were working for wind energy companies, an unfounded claim with no merit. I disagree with being accused of staying quiet and not standing up for the people in my community. If some of those opposite were on these benches, we would be listening to a different story.

I am a member of the transport and communications committee. This morning, the committee heard from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland which stated we need to develop renewable energy resources as part of our overall energy strategy to help us meet our 2020 renewable energy targets. Ireland has an abundance of wind, a significant natural energy resource. Some claim we should examine other sources such as tidal and offshore. While much work is being done in these areas, these sources will not produce enough to meet our 2020 targets.

Jobs, revenue and lower carbon emissions will be some of the benefits from wind energy. Harnessing this energy source must be done in a holistic way while addressing community concerns about the location of wind turbines and optimising the benefits clearly for everyone. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources alluded to this when he said nothing will happen on the intergovernmental agreement on wind energy until the benefits are seen.

Unfortunately, where we fall down on this is in communication as has happened in Meath with the proposed roll-out of next-generation pylons. When there is a lack of communication, misinformation starts to appear with people getting confused and angry. We need to communicate the benefits of renewable energy to the public, as well as how the projects will impact on the ground. Recently, I saw a newsletter in my area containing a map of 250 possible sites for wind farms there. As long as I am a Deputy and living in Meath, there will never be 250 turbines in the county. This is again, however, due to a lack of communication breeding misinformation which causes problems.

There are also concerns about the height of turbines, set back distances and their possible effects on agriculture and the equine industry. In my constituency, the set back distance is the most prevalent issue. The proposed 500 m set back distance from the nearest dwelling is believed to be still too close. We have to be realistic about this issue, however, too. Many areas in Meath have high housing density. Putting an unrealistic set back distance could mean we would have no renewable energy at all.

We need to examine the conflicting information on noise levels from wind turbines. Modern turbines have the facility to measure sunlight levels which can be used to address the whole issue of shadow flicker. It is important we do not make the same mistakes that were made in many other countries. The decisions we make on wind turbine regulation must be built on lessons learned elsewhere. The lack of information and engagement has been the main cause of concern.

The aim of the recent review by the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, of the 2006 wind energy guidelines, which received over 7,000 submissions, is to implement best practice guidelines for wind development. The review of the guidelines is welcome, but we must ensure proper regulation is enforced. I am also pleased to hear that the strategic environmental assessment scoping report has now been prepared and that we will have a report, public consultation and a cost-benefit analysis in the coming phases of the project.

While I agree with some of the information in this Bill, much of it is negative. To return to what Deputy Doyle said, we cannot depend on fossil fuels or on energy from other countries. We cannot stand still; we must move with the times. Unfortunately, if we stand still, we will not be able to function properly in the coming years. Many of the projects being proposed will be beneficial for the country and will help secure our future energy needs and provide jobs and money for the economy. However, energy provision must be secured in a transparent and fair manner. I believe that is what will happen.

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