Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for attending. There is some concern at this time regarding the development of wind energy, which is happening apace. That development is needed because we have our targets to meet. However, there are concerns as to whether the environmental considerations are being taken fully into account when we are planning where the farms will go. The provisions relating to the marine planning framework are going through the Dáil this week. My understanding is that there will be a very limited consultation on those proposals, with only a 50-minute debate scheduled in the Dáil. Even that discussion had to be campaigned for quite strongly. Mr. Moran spoke about bringing communities on board, having full discussions and consultation and making sure everyone knows what is happening. That is really important and I am very glad to hear it is a priority for Wind Energy Ireland. Does Mr. Moran have any concerns that rushing through the proposals for the marine planning framework without having a full debate in the Dáil could undermine that community engagement and set a scene whereby communities will already feel disadvantaged coming into the process?

My other question follows on from the point raised by Deputy O'Rourke. In my constituency of Wicklow, there are three major wind farms planned for the coastline. I cannot find a map showing those three farms and indicating the capacity or target relating to each. That is the kind of information communities need. Will providing that information be something Wind Energy Ireland can either facilitate or seek to get done, perhaps through the Department? It is important that people understand and can see exactly what the impact of these farms will be. What is the witnesses' opinion on that issue?