John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I support my colleague, Senator Whelan's, request for a debate on the review of the wind energy guidelines. The date for further submissions is 21 February, so I suggest that the debate take place in early February. This will be another bubble if it is not dealt with, as we have said repeatedly in the House. I advise people who have an interest in this subject to look at the documentary entitled "Windfall" on the Internet.

One of the striking things to emerge from that documentary - anyone with an interest in the subject will attest to this - is the view that if one likes wind, one loves pylons. I have pointed out on previous occasions that when it is selecting the routes along which pylons will be erected, EirGrid chooses areas which have been earmarked by county councils as being suitable for wind energy. I was delighted when Roscommon County Council amended its county development plan yesterday in order to stipulate that wind turbines must be located 1,500 m from people's homes. I congratulate the county councillors involved on doing that. The multiplier used in this case was the height of a turbine multiplied by ten. Economists have informed us with regard to the economics of wind energy and have highlighted the flaws that exist. Politicians are now echoing their words. There are those in this House who are willing to put their political futures on the line in respect of this issue and I am definitely one of them.