Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)

It is unacceptable that the review of wind energy guidelines has taken several years. It is a dereliction of duty from the Government while these developments are causing such unease in our communities. We all recognise that this is something that will never be perfect. There will always be controversial developments, but the Government, at the very minimum, needs to step in to put some kind of plan or framework in place that regulates where these developments should be located so that the impact on communities can be minimised as much as possible.

The wind energy guidelines are from 2006. They are totally out of date and have not kept up with the technological advances that we have had since then. People are suffering as a result. The updated guidelines need to be brought forward as soon as possible. Similar guidelines need to put in place for other types of development.

The bottom line is that people are frustrated that these companies can bring forward applications for large-scale developments without any real consultation, engagement or proper consideration of the impact on those communities.

We should remember that such developments are hugely profitable for these companies as well. They should be held accountable for not treating communities with respect and not having the decency to engage with people regarding their concerns. That drives people mad, and rightly so.

I fully recognise the need for energy security. I am very much in favour of renewable energy, but the way these projects are being handled and carried out is wrong. It is proving divisive and causing much frustration. These companies are making a huge profit out of other people's suffering. We must make sure that, as much as possible, developments are in appropriate locations and at an appropriate scale and are evenly spread across the State. People in my constituency feel very hard done by with the number of developments that are entering planning in the local area. I urge the Government to take on board the concerns of the communities I represent and to bring forward real guidelines, regulations and a plan as soon as possible.

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