John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I support the call by my colleague, Senator Whelan, for a debate on wind energy and its future. In that past, I have said that these wind energy developers can advertise 66,000 jobs to build 1,500 wind turbines while another wind energy operator will employ 10,000 to build half that amount. The figures do not add up and it is time we knew where we were going before we do untold damage to our environment. Like my colleagues, I am all for wind energy but the wind turbines must be set back far away from people's homes so that life is bearable.

At no stage throughout the debate on wind energy did we discuss the dangers. Last week in the UK a 30 m turbine fell in 50 mph winds when it was supposed to withstand winds of up to 130 mph. Wind turbines here are going to be 185 m tall, the same height as the Spire in Dublin. What if a wind turbine crashes? Have plans been put in place to protect people from the dangers posed by wind turbines?

The Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, has announced a wind energy guidelines focussed review. People have until 15 February to engage in the process and express all of the problems that they see associated with living too close to wind turbines. We must not end up being the dumping ground for the UK because its wind energy policy has led to an increase in the demand for electricity there. The UK wants Ireland to provide it with electricity but the process will destroy our landscape.

Like other Senators I pay tribute to Senator Martin McAleese. I compliment him on his work on the Magdalen laundries. When the media in County Roscommon refer to Oireachtas Members for the county they always refer to three Deputies, Senator Leyden and me. They always forget that Senator Martin McAleese also lives in the county.