Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

The Deputy's second point, namely, that the planning decisions made in respect of this matter must be the correct ones, is valid. I understand that approximately half of the applications made in respect of the development of wind farms have been rejected. Decisions in this regard are appropriate on a range of grounds, including the proximity to housing, the effect a project could have on the landscape or environmental concerns relating to the nature of the habitat where it is proposed to build a wind farm. It is a matter for local authorities and An Bord Pleanála to adjudicate on such matters on a case-by-case basis.

I hope decisions in respect of this matter will be made in the understanding that there is a need for urgency, particularly in light of the temporary opportunity afforded to us — as gas prices fall — to switch to a renewable alternative that will be cheaper, cleaner and more secure in the future. There is an imperative in this regard for me to inform the regulator and the grid company that we should proceed with development in as quick, safe and proper a manner as possible. Such development will be in the long-term interests of the country and its people.

See this speech in context