Dr. Brian Motherway:

That, in my view, is often the explanation behind discrepancies in take-up between different areas. In other cases, it can be a question of patterns such as how old the homes are, what types of upgrade measures they need and so on. However, there undoubtedly are people out there who would benefit from this free service but they are not aware of it and we do not know who they are. It is an ongoing issue for us to find ways of communicating with those people.

We are well aware of the level of concern in communities across the country regarding proposals for wind farm projects. It is important to point out that there are parts of Ireland where wind energy has been developing successfully and people are living quite comfortably near wind farms. These projects are bringing local benefits in terms of rates paid to local authority, jobs created in the area and so on. However, there are plenty of other people who have concerns regarding what is proposed for their area, and those concerns are absolutely valid and must be taken on board.

Our view is that the planning process is central to all of this. Good planning is able to discern between good and bad projects. On an ongoing basis we see planning authorities approving some projects and rejecting others. We are working with those authorities on a local area renewable energy strategies model whereby we are encouraging all local authorities to have a strategy in place in advance of any given project coming to them. The model involves the devising of certain principles for good planning, which are developed through consultation in the context of the county development plan. Those principles will guide decisions as to the parts of the county or region where wind energy and bio-energy development is not acceptable for whatever reason, and where such development would be welcome.

Transparency and openness are central to this process. It is undoubtedly the case that there are places where wind farms should not be built. It is unquestionably the case that rules and regulations should be in place to make sure communities' interests are protected. I see plenty of examples around the country where these types of projects have been done well and without any controversy. People are comfortable with these developments and there are clear local benefits. If we can learn from those successes, we have much to gain from the development of wind energy in Ireland. It is a strong resource and if we can find a way to balance the benefits with the disadvantages, it remains an opportunity for us.

I ask my colleague, Mr. Meally, to respond to the Chairman's question on community initiatives.