Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. He already alluded to the fact that members of his political party have drafted legislation relating to the governance of this issue and they are obviously at variance with the Minister's opinion on the need for legislation. I find it amazing that if one were to add an extension to the back of one's house of 40 sq. m or more one must adhere to primary legislation on planning permission so I do not see the big issue with regard to introducing legislation on the governance of industrial wind farms in our area.

The Minister also spoke about cutaway bogs and I am happy to hear him do so. However, this does not remove the fact that Mr. O'Connor, one of the directors of the company seeking to develop wind energy in the midlands, has stated he has already signed up hundreds of land owners throughout the midlands and will create the largest wind farm in Europe. The Minister stated we do not have an issue with meeting our own targets, but this contradicts what he stated on 16 October 2012 in reply to a parliamentary question. He stated that at the end of 2011 we were at 17.6% renewable electricity, 3.6% renewable transport biofuels and 5% renewable heat, which together meant 6.5% of all energy consumed in 2011 was from renewables, and that we had another eight years in which to achieve the remaining 9.5%, which would be very challenging. These were the Minister's words.

I am glad the Minister recognises there is genuine concern in the communities where the proposed development will take place. Will he consider introducing a moratorium until these concerns are allayed and the guidelines are reviewed? Only two short weeks were given for the consultation process and the review of the guidelines. One is given five weeks to make a submission with regard to a local planning application but only two weeks were provided for an issue of such national importance. The Minister is a member of Government and has the opportunity to dictate the schedule. At the very minimum will he ensure we have a proper debate in the House on the renewable energy sector?

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