Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response, although very little of it dealt specifically with my question, except for the reference to the report of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and the Western Development Commission. The nub of the question is that many communities across the country believe wind energy developments are being imposed on them. They do not see any real benefit for them, even though these wind energy projects may be in accordance with national guidelines. I suggest the Minister's Department should devise a policy with a view to ensuring maximum participation by landowners, local communities, citizens and a hierarchy of investment. This would ensure people could have a sense of ownership of the developments and also that a large part of the revenue stream would remain in the State. Developers of scale are gearing up for developments in the midlands which are primarily internationally funded. There will not be very many opportunities for citizens to benefit from the income stream that can be generated by these projects. It is very important to have a policy. I, therefore, ask the Minister to consider drafting a policy to ensure investments can be made and that people can participate and have a sense of ownership of these projects.

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