Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am in favour of renewable energy and wind farms but I am also conscious of the needs of local communities. I, therefore, wish to call on the Minister to ensure that local democracy will be involved and that communities will at all times be reassured about and be kept fully informed of developments in this regard. The 2006 wind energy guidelines are obsolete and insufficient, particularly in the context of the recently signed memorandum of understanding with the United Kingdom. There must be a cohesive approach involving the Departments of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Environment, Community and Local Government in order to ensure that proper guidelines are put in place. When I refer to proper guidelines, I mean those of a statutory and mandatory nature. It is imperative that my concerns be taken on board and addressed at an early stage.

I understand that there was a recent two-week consultation period in respect of wind energy guidelines. I ask the Minister to examine reopening the consultation process, particularly on foot of the information deficit which exists. Information deficits tend to give rise to, perhaps, unnecessary concerns among communities. A major debate on this matter is commencing in the midlands. I am of the view that this debate must be managed properly. Adequate regulations must be put in place and we must ensure that we bring people and communities along with us. What could be a win-win situation could easily be turned into a loss if we fail to do the latter.

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