Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, the environment committee had a charm offensive launched at it by two representatives from several wind energy organisations, Bord na Móna and Element Power Ireland. There was much marketing speak with claims that local communities would receive €250 million in 25 years and benefit from educational bursaries while homes would become more energy efficient and get support with electricity bills.

We were told that 185 m turbines were the most efficient, which is why they were going to be used. We were also told that only 1,000 wind turbines would be erected in the midlands, not the 2,000 to 3,000 figure that was put out and was misunderstood by the communities.

What we were not told, particularly by Bord na Móna, although I asked this, was whether it was entering into strategic alliances with private companies, which indeed it is. Bord na Móna is a semi-State body that is answerable to the Government, which is answerable to the people. Now, the company is proposing to link up with companies that are sponsored and financed by investment banks from America. They are going to help spend taxpayers' money in a project that is doomed to failure. The company did not ask any of the economic questions I put to it in regard to the cost of the power into the future and the subsidy the Irish taxpayer will pay to continue this daft notion of wind energy.

I want to support my two colleagues on what they said earlier. I further want to ask for a debate in this House on the future of wind energy. We have been asking for this for months. I do not accept that just because we are in a consultation period we cannot have a debate. Surely, when there is a consultation with the public, that is the time for the elected representatives to debate the issues so the public can see the outcome. I call again for this debate to be held and I ask the Leader to take note of this call.