Dr. Chris Hanning:

I will first respond to the question of whether a study or report has been done. I am not aware of any report in Ireland covering this, although there are a number out there. All the peer-reviewed studies of existing wind farms have shown harm, including the Japanese example that has just been mentioned. Approximately three years ago, the Japanese Government instituted a programme of research into the health effects of low-frequency noise from wind turbines. Reports are just beginning to come to light and they show that harm occurs. As has been mentioned, the study suggests that a setback distance of approximately 1 km or 1.5 km is reasonable.

Deputy Troy essentially asked about sensitive receptors. It is important to realise that not everybody exposed to wind turbine noise necessarily gets sick or is affected in terms of sleep. We vary in our sensitivity to noise, and some people are more sensitive than others. That does not mean they are somehow bad or mad; it is just a case of people being more sensitive, as some are less sensitive. We know that people sensitive to noise tend to congregate in quiet, rural areas because that is where they feel better, and introducing new noise pollution is not good for such people.

Deputy Troy specifically asked about autistic spectrum disorder, which is not an uncommon phenomenon. It is certainly true that young people and children with this condition are more sensitive to the effects of wind turbines for two reasons. First, it is very common for these individuals to be fixated with rotating objects, and if they see a wind turbine, it can utterly distract them from doing anything else. Second, they all have poor sleep, and if a person already has poor sleep and is subjected to turbine noise, there could be further effects.

Deputy Troy also asked about the Danish scheme. This is a political decision. If there are smaller set-back distances, with a recognition that some people will be harmed and appropriately compensated, it may amount to a reasonable answer. Until such a system is put in place, realistic set-back distances that protect the vast majority of people are appropriate.