Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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1. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the recent mechanical failure of certain wind turbines here; the reason these failed; if he has requested a report on these incidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3773/15]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Is the Minister concerned about the recent mechanical failure of certain wind turbines in Ireland? What information does he have on these failures? Has he requested a report on the incidents and, if so, will he make a statement on the matter?

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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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.

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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There was also an incident in County Tyrone. Has the Minister sought any information from his counterparts in the North of Ireland on the issue? It is causing widespread concern. There is much concern over wind farms and their development and this is another issue about which communities may have concerns. I acknowledge what the Minister said about the incident in Tralee and I ask him to keep us updated on any issues in that regard. Does the Minister have any information on the incident in County Tyrone in early January? Has he sought information from his counterparts on that incident which is a very serious issue based on the initial reports I have seen on it?

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I was asked about a particular incident in the jurisdiction and I have addressed that. If there is any basis on which my Department or I needed to intervene or take an interest in the incident outside the jurisdiction as mentioned by the Deputy, that could certainly be considered. However, the matter I was asked to address was the one in County Kerry.

I am aware of a small number - less than a handful - of reported incidents relating to wind farms. While all reported incidents in this jurisdiction should be assessed or investigated to identify the cause and any mitigating actions, given the number of incidents relative to the size of the deployed fleet of wind turbines across the country, it would be reasonable to assert, without displaying any complacency, that the technology is safe.

Wind turbines come within the scope of the machinery directive, one of the new approach directives transposed into Irish law through the European Communities (Machinery) Regulations 2008.

The overall objective of the EU machinery directive is the harmonisation of the essential health and safety requirements across all countries and jurisdictions within the European Union. The aim is to promote the free movement of machinery across the Single Market, while guaranteeing a high level of health and safety protection to workers and citizens.

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The question I tabled was on wind turbines in Ireland and I thought County Tyrone was in Ireland. However, I will make sure I will put down the Republic of Ireland in any future questions. I was looking for information on Tyrone and I would ask the Minister to get as much information on the record on this. There are concerns in communities throughout the country. I have sought information on this. Wind farms are contributing greatly to the renewable targets and so forth, but I think it is vitally important that we have every bit of information possible on it. I think the Minister has answered the question. However, I would appreciate if he would get as much information as possible at a higher level from his counterparts.

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I am always happy to assist the Deputy. One reads newspaper reports and we have contacts with our colleagues in Northern Ireland through the North-South Ministerial Council, but if there is a specific incident in which the Deputy wishes me to take close interest, I will do that if he contacts me after this session.