Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move:

That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act entitled to protect the health of persons who may be affected by noise and shadow flicker from wind turbines; to give further effect to the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters done at Aarhus, Denmark on 25 June 1998; and to provide for related matters.

This Bill is essential if the rights of home owners are to be respected. Up to now, people have had to suffer an unregulated situation whereby guidelines are the only things to protect citizens when it comes to minimum distances allowed between dwelling houses and wind turbines. It is quite clear that citizens need this Bill to be put in place to protect their property rights, health and communities. I am introducing a replica of Deputy Penrose's Bill, which I understand is also on First Stage. Introducing the Bill increases the chances of this very important issue being dealt with in a very short timeframe. We must remember that time is of the essence. As we speak, plans are afoot to cover the Irish landscape in a blizzard of wind turbines. Before the Government allows any further developments, this Bill must be put into law.

Given that a Government Deputy has also introduced a Bill on this issue, I would like to think it would be passed. It would be strange indeed if the Government could not support a law that has also been proposed by one of its Deputies. I am delighted to facilitate the fast-tracking of a debate by increasing the chances of this being dealt with finally on the floor of the House.

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