Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

First, Deputy Murphy made the point that there is no good method for dealing with communities and he is correct that this was the case. That is why before Christmas I got the industry to sign up to a new code of practice. I acknowledge some of the people near Sliabh Bawn have dismissed that but it is funny that other communities in County Roscommon that have used the code have said that it has effectively dealt with the noise issue. It is, therefore, working in the county and I urge people to use the code rather than dismiss what we have succeeded in doing. I have said to Coillte officials on numerous occasions that there has to be a community dividend not just in respect of this wind farm, but of every wind farm in the country. The dividend has to extend beyond the term of the wind farm or project.

I have publicly stated that the guidelines are not fit for purpose. It had been my intention to bring in new guidelines prior to Christmas but that was not possible because of the ECJ decision. They will deal with issues such as noise and shadow flicker because they have to be dealt with given that the current guidelines are outdated. There is an opportunity to get this right. They will go out for public consultation and I look forward to the feedback from communities and Members.

See this speech in context