Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I thank the representatives of Bord na Móna, Element Power and Turn 180 for coming. This is the second day of our hearings. Before Christmas, we heard from the Lakelands Wind Farm Information Group and we will hear from others involved in the industry, government and communities.

I have some questions on how wind energy supplies for export will be transmitted to the United Kingdom. There is the east-west interconnector between Ireland and Wales. Do Bord na Móna and Element Power see themselves using that interconnector? Who will build the connections between the wind farms and the station in County Meath?

I refer to land agreements with Coillte. Coillte has a lot of land in natural heritage areas and special areas of conservation. How much of it is suitable for wind energy generation, considering that it will be restricted by being located in special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas?

Have the two energy companies conducted cost benefit analyses of how this project will be advanced? A number of speakers referred to the requirement for backup by fossil fuels. Communities have contacted public representatives about this requirement. How can the energy companies square this with making up the deficit when there is no wind blowing?

There are queries about the option agreements being presented to local communities. Are we looking at lease or options agreements? What is the ratio between them and what is their duration?

The Aarhus Convention has been mentioned. What is the energy companies' understanding of their responsibilities under the convention? While there has been a degree of consultation, the fact that there have not been public meetings to advise communities has been a deficit. The fact that there has been a lack of public discourse during which we can obtain accurate information is causing a real problem for communities.