John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise an issue to which I and Senators Whelan and Landy have made reference on many previous occasions, namely, wind energy. Planning permission - with conditions - was granted to a particular company in respect of a development in the south east. An issue arose afterwards in the context of noise levels and the local community spent 18 months liaising with Wexford County Council in the interests of bring about a resolution of the matter. The company involved has stated that it is not and will not be compliant with the conditions attaching to the planning permission. The council appears to be hamstrung on this matter. Is it acceptable that a massive industrial development relating to a wind farm can be proceeded with and that the company involved can decide not to comply with a planning condition?

I ask that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government be invited to the House as soon as possible so we can have a broad debate on the issue of wind energy. It is laughable to see that SSE Airtricity has expressed an interest in developing wind farms all over the country, as I saw on RTE yesterday. Part of its advertisement shows an ape running around between wind turbines. I do not know what the significance of that is, but if the company thinks the people of this country are apes and will buy into this, it is completely mistaken. People can see the nonsense of this wind energy project.