Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of the number of people and, in particular, properties affected by the construction of wind farms. I am speaking as an ardent supporter of the renewable energy sector, particularly wind energy. I have knowledge of this issue from people who did not object to the farms' construction. They are honourable, good and decent people. That said, their properties have been adversely affected. Sometimes, the noise is much worse than anyone anticipated. The turbines have been constructed, but what can be done now?

A portion of the renewable energy feed in tariff, REFIT, that is paid to the renewable energy sector should be set aside for properties that have been adversely affected. They could be retrofitted to tackle sound issues and so on. People who have not objected to these farms, and others who have, and whose properties are adversely affected should not need to put their hands in their pockets to pay for these works. We should consider this suggestion, as it is a legitimate case, and debate the matter. I find it difficult to continue supporting wind energy when people are being more badly affected than any of us expected.