Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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We have to try to realise what benefits will result apart from energy security and the impact on climate change.

The energy companies involved in wind power generation have already made a significant investment in the projects. What will happen if energy policy changes and the proposed projects do not proceed? Who will compensate the companies in question for the investment they have made? Will taxpayers be required to fund such compensation if the position changes?

On the option agreements that will be signed for areas that do not feature on county development plan maps, is the idea behind this to provide an enhanced package for potential future asset management investors? For example, if the proposal went to a particular company, would that company, based on these other agreements, increase the potential to move it on? In other words, will the companies which are actively interested in this project assume responsibility for its entire operation or try to move it on to an asset management company? If the companies sign option agreements with people living in areas not designated for wind energy project development in the county development plans, will this enhance the package they will be able to present to asset management companies?

Will the delegates explain the position on subsidies for wind energy versus fossil fuels? What benefits will the companies gain from these subsidies and who will provide them? Will the Irish Government or the British Government be responsible for the subsidy?

I was interested in the statement from Element Power that taxpayers would not incur costs. Will the representatives of Element Power confirm that taxpayers will not be required to foot any of the bill if the proposal proceeds and their company becomes the developer? I will ask more questions later.