Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Could I ask the Tánaiste about the long-promised guidelines on wind farms? In the previous Government four Ministers failed to introduce them. The issue is in the programme for Government and it was specified that the guidelines would be introduced within three to six months. The document stated it was a matter of priority. The Taoiseach said in the House the other day that he is trying to reach a compromise. We were told by the previous Government that a row was going on between the then Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White, and the then Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, and they did not sort it out. What is happening now between the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Naughten, and the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Coveney, who is sitting beside the Tánaiste? When will we see the guidelines? In counties Laois, Offaly, Kildare, and other counties, wind farm developments are pushing ahead. Public representatives like me do not have answers for people as to why we cannot put regulations in place. How complicated can it be to specify set-back distances, noise levels and all of the other issues that need to be addressed. I have heard about reports and consultants. I am blue in the face listening to reasons for the past five years. We need to sort out this issue. The Government is entering its eight month in government. The matter must be addressed.

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