Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a number of concerns with regard to this draft Bill. The way the Bill has been drafted by Sinn Féin suggests that the current position is that when county councils or An Bord Pleanála are considering planning applications for wind farms, no regard is given to human beings, their health or the environment, and that somehow this Bill will champion those considerations. This is absolutely untrue. The truth is that we have a robust, transparent planning system which is backed up by the Department's wind energy development guidelines for planning authorities, dating back to 2006. Furthermore, existing planning legislation is principle-based and requires that wind energy developments demonstrate environmental benefits and minimise environmental and social impacts through careful consideration of location, scale and design. Many people who have been involved in trying to promote and develop wind farms have felt the disdain of An Bord Pleanála and planning authorities when they did not meet the high standards currently in place and were refused planning permission.

The context in which this is Bill is set out is misleading. I am seriously concerned that the Bill attempts to deal with issues such as distance from housing, noise and shadow flicker, issues which are currently under review as part of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government's consultation and proposed revision to the 2006 wind energy guidelines. Has Sinn Féin no respect for the views of the many private citizens and other stakeholders who took the time to make a submission in this consultation? Why has it not waited for the outcome of the review before drafting any document on wind, let alone legislation? I have heard Sinn Féin refer to the Aarhus Convention and the need for proper consultation with the public many times, yet when the public is consulted, Sinn Féin does not have the patience to wait to hear the result of the review.

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