Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was at another meeting so I did not have the opportunity to listen to Mr. McKenna's contribution. What is the extent of Coillte's involvement with wind farms and the production of wind energy? To what extent is it inhibited from implementing any plans it may have to invest in wind farms as a result of a lack of venture capital? Does Coillte propose to enter into joint ventures with other established wind energy companies? Coillte owns land in some of the windiest areas of the country. The difficulties relating to the visual amenity aspects and obstacles relating to planning and development, etc., would simply not apply in the context of constructing wind farms in these areas.

I understand that is necessary to have a wind corridor before one can construct a wind farm. In that regard, Coillte could cut down a tract of trees and put a wind farm in place in the middle of a forest. To what extent could this aspect be explored from the point of view of the company obtaining a return as opposed to merely limiting itself to developing and maintaining forestry? How can we exploit the fact that there are companies which are interested in investing in lands which Coillte owns? How open would the company be to such investment?