Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome Dr. Geiss and I thank him for appearing before the committee. I wish him well with the conference. The debate on renewable energy has been ongoing for the past decade. We have witnessed major investments, including in the interconnector between the UK and Ireland and in the wind energy section into which we are tapping. I hope those attending the conference visit the wave energy site and so on. The issue of how these developments impact on local communities and how they can be managed in such a way that they are integrated into them is increasing in importance. There is a wind farm six miles from where I live and there is another one 12 miles from me on the other side of my home. One was developed with great sensitivity to the community and it was integrated easily but the other was developed with major controversy. A great deal needs to be discussed in this regard. There are major benefits from renewable energy for member states and for communities. However, the issue of the impact of these projects should be borne in mind during the conference and the deliberations in June. A workable solution to this issue is vitally important. The sensitivities of local communities should be raised during the conference because they have legitimate concerns, fears and anxieties over what is proposed.