David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Senator Ivana Bacik also spoke about what she saw as confusion in the motion where we dealt with wind turbines, overhead pylons and power lines. There is no confusion. It is a general motion on energy policy, the need for Ireland to be energy independent, as much as possible, in order to reach our renewable energy targets, by using the energy created for the common good of the people of the State and on the island through an all-Ireland energy policy. Energy policy encompasses many aspects, including wind turbines and pylons.

Senator Tony Mulcahy cited some existing wind turbines as the reason we should place pylons elsewhere. That is not the case and he is being disingenuous in saying so because the technology has changed. Infrastructure was put in place 30 years ago, but that does not mean we should do the same today because of the changes in technology that have taken place. He has entirely missed the point.