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

It is nice, when one is contributing and asking a question, when the Minister listens. Why is it taking 12 months to produce the overall policy and planning framework to guide An Bord Pleanála on the export of wind energy? Why are we waiting until after the local elections to publish that policy? The Government has refused and continues to refuse to introduce a robust framework and legislation to deal with wind energy generation for export and domestic consumption. We need a strong legislative framework in place that will alleviate people's concerns and fears. It is not just Members on this side of the House who are calling for it but also Deputies on all sides of the House and local authority members representing all political parties. If the Minister engaged and listened more, perhaps there would not be the same level of anxiety and fear.

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