Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me time at short notice and just prior to the Minister of State, who I thank for attending. I will lend my support to Senator Kelly's Bill on wind turbines. I will also echo Senator Bacik's comments on the use of the Seanad in introducing ideas and concepts that the Dáil cannot take on board, given the number of other issues that it must address. Senator Daly expressed concern that the legislation would be submerged in the Department. It will take time for planning regulations to change in reflection of our changing communities. Five or ten years ago we were not discussing whether wind turbines should be located beside people's homes or farms. As someone who grew up with an understanding of the concept of bungalow blitz and the nightmare of bungalows spreading in an unplanned manner across rural Ireland, I hope the Government will find a way of incorporating this Bill into planning law so that we will not face some kind of turbine terror in 20 years' time.

We are right to be excited about the potential for green energy and green jobs in this country but we should not lose sight of the need to exercise care with our planning. This proposal is only the beginning of a debate on the many issues that the Government will have to take on board in the context of planning for wind turbines and other sources of green energy.