Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am advised that there was an incident at Tursillagh wind farm in County Kerry in which a blade became detached from a turbine. My Department has contacted the wind farm operator who has advised that the incident is being investigated. The operator has sought a report from the turbine manufacturer and has agreed to keep my officials informed of developments.

My Department has also been in contact with the Health and Safety Authority, HSA, the agency with responsibility for workplace safety under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. It should be noted, however, that a place of work as described in that Act would only cover wind turbines during their construction or during any maintenance that might need to be undertaken thereafter. Nevertheless, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, under whose aegis the HSA operates, has advised that the authority is aware of the incident and is also making inquiries with the operator of the wind farm to establish the facts and consider any appropriate action.

I have asked my officials to monitor this matter closely and to consider what action, if any, may be appropriate after the report of the manufacturer is made available.

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