Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

When I first approached this matter, I believed these were black-and-white questions. I also believed that if one considered a set of assumptions and setback distances, it should be very easy to work out what it would mean in terms of lands available for wind turbines and wind farms. However, it became clear early on that the matter is much more complex than that. There are different types and categories of land. It became increasingly complex. I agree with the Deputy that it is desirable to have new guidelines. Both the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and I agree on this. However, we are still trying to bottom out some technical work on the exact implications of having certain setback distances. We can be pretty clear on the need to do something on noise and shadow flicker. The issue concerns very long setback distances. Some of those advocated, not by my colleague but by others, would have the effect of closing down onshore wind energy production, despite what some commentators might believe. Although it might sound like a cop-out, it is not a cop-out for me to state that I do not decide where wind farms go. However, I understand why people contact me about particular wind farms. It is perfectly fine because they regard me as the energy Minister but it must be realised I have no role whatsoever in determining where a specific wind farm or turbine should be located. Whether it is in Marley Park or somewhere in Laois, I have no powers in that regard. My role concerns energy policy but one cannot have an energy policy completely isolated from factors such as planning and citizens' interests. Equally, the planning code has to have regard to other areas of government and policy, such as the energy policy. We must try to reconcile the two.