Dáil debates

Tuesday, 17 December 2013

Topical Issue Debate

Wind Energy Guidelines

6:20 pm

Photo of Michael ColreavyMichael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The reply clearly outlines what will be covered in the public consultation process. I am unclear whether the potential devaluation of property will be the subject of consultation. I am unclear whether the consultation fits into the wider aspects of a strategy for renewable energy generation about which I spoke.

With regard to the export of energy to Britain, the Government will sometimes state I want to see nothing exported to Britain. That is not true; I would like to see us export to Britain, but I would like to see us achieve self-sufficiency before we do so. This nation has great potential in the area of renewable energy generation. We could reach self-sufficiency faster than planned and be a net exporter of energy to Britain and elsewhere, which I would welcome, but we need to look after our own market first.

Will the public consultation process be open to the economic analysis that must be undertaken, bearing in mind that some respected economists have called into question the economic benefits of wind energy generation in the current market? Will it enable the community to specify the financial benefits they would like to see accruing from renewable energy generation in Ireland?

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