Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I disagree that the 2006 guidelines have served us well. Certainly they have not served us well in the past two, three and four years. They have created division within local communities, have not protected the interests of local residents and have had implications for the health of our citizens. I believe a legislative framework is needed. We cannot have a situation where local authorities, such as Donegal County Council, can have a zero set-back distance. That means that a wind turbine could be built in a person's back garden. That does not make sense. There is no legislative framework in place to deter local authorities from granting such permissions. I appeal to the Minister of State to look again at the issue. There is also a need for a national debate.

While I am a proponent and supporter of wind energy we must have a debate on the effectiveness and efficiency of wind energy. As international reports suggest that only 25% of the power capacity of a wind turbine is developed, so what happens with the other 75%? We have to look at the grant aid available for the industry. From where does the money come and the EU grants which are being pumped into these developments by European and Irish taxpayers? Those questions need to be addressed as part of the public consultation process. I urge the Minister of State to ensure that is part of the overall package and not to rule out the possibility of a legislative framework instead of just guidelines.