John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Last week we had welcome news in my county whereby a wind farm development proposed for Fourmilehouse in County Roscommon was refused planning permission. The reason it was refused was because of the impact it would have on a rare breed of swan. I read in today's newspaper that a proposed wind farm development in Doonbeg in County Clare was refused planning permission because of the impact it would have on a rare mussel. In the past, some wind farm developments have been refused because of the potential effects on a lesser horseshoe bat, or even a snail. We have never had a decision from An Bord Pleanála refusing planning permission because of potential adverse effects on human health and well-being. People are not even taken into consideration. A couple in my county, Michael and Dorothy Kane, had to move out of their home because of the effects a wind farm development had on them. They moved to County Leitrim. They were driven demented by the development. Politicians often say we must put people first, however, we are putting bats, snails, swans and mussels ahead of human beings in this country at the moment.

The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, is trying to introduce new set-back distances for wind farms from people's homes. He is meeting resistance from within Government circles. I ask the Leader that we would urge the Minister to introduce the new guidelines as a matter of urgency, and most certainly before the summer recess.