Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

On the Minister's reply, the term "on a first come, first served basis" is inappropriate at this particular time. This is a wonderful area in which people are considering investing. Many people are ready and willing to invest in this area. Many of the projects in Gate 3 will probably never come to fruition. I believe the Minister should be considering producing a strategic plan in regard to the locations where these investments should take place, taking account of wind speeds, proximity to the grid and affordability of the project. In other words, projects must be ready to roll out. It is in this respect we differ from the Minister.

Is the Minister in control of policy or is CER dictating the trend in this regard? We are not delivering to people who want to invest in this project. If the Minister had money to invest at this particular time would he choose to invest in current wind energy projects, despite his having to wait seven years to get on a grid to obtain connection or would he consider buying out somebody currently on the waiting list, which is not satisfactory? The Minister needs to take immediate action in this regard.

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