Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

There is nothing more important facing this country than the issue of having a proper plan for alternative energy. Energy costs are going through the roof and they will affect employment and people in their own homes. We in Fine Gael have a coherent plan, which we announced months ago and long before the Government made a few announcements on the issue. These ideas have been thought out clearly and we will pursue them with vigour when we get into office. We must have a proper alternative energy structure and its implementation will be as urgent as the current need for a proper road network. It is vital that we put a planning process in place that can cope with that need.

The Dutch system of planning can offer Ireland a very important lesson in this area. The Dutch Government decides the infrastructure projects that are needed on a national basis and the best area in which to locate them. It consults with parliament, local authorities and the people themselves about its plans after they are published. It amends its plans accordingly and publishes binding guidelines on infrastructure construction for the immediate future. Local authorities are then required to implement the plan, dealing with local complaints about major infrastructural projects. Local authority members do not take the blame for those decisions, but national politicians accept full political responsibility for nationally vital infrastructure. Such a system is part of a major change that Fine Gael will make in Government.

Fine Gael will amend the national spatial strategy to include major renewable energy infrastructure projects. This will involve identifying the areas that are most suitable for each type of project. A draft of the amended strategy will be published and submissions invited, before a final version is presented to the Oireachtas for its approval or rejection. Alternative energy infrastructure will constitute an element of regional development plans. This will help avoid the exertion of pressure on local authority members when dealing with necessary alternative energy infrastructure, as they will be required to implement the development plan as it is set out.

As this new agenda is rolled out, it is vital that local communities hosting infrastructure of importance to the national alternative energy programme are given the necessary reward. Those communities close to developments such as wind farms should be the beneficiaries of community facilities above and beyond those communities that are not located close to the major developments.

That is why Fine Gael will legislate for the provision of a community dividend for those communities located close to new infrastructure. This will act as compensation for those communities living close to important infrastructure that aids the entire country in reaching its alternative energy commitments. The dividend will take the form of improved sporting and cultural facilities in those areas. The dividend will be put in place before the development of the energy infrastructure and the upkeep will be paid for by the private company or State body responsible for that energy infrastructure. This will turn on its head the current system of planning that encourages protest, dither and delay and that offers communities no incentive to welcome any new development.

I welcome the commitment of Fingal County Council, led by members of the Green Party, the Labour Party, Fine Gael and others working together, to identify significant proposals for alternative energy for future housing developments in its local area plan. Every local authority should identify a percentage of energy for housing developments that must come from alternative energy sources.

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