Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether, if in haste to avail of the environmental benefits of wind farms, we are ignoring the ecological damage that turbines can do (details supplied). [8444/10]

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the grant aid package to promoters of the wind farm and a breakdown by project on Corry Mountain in counties Leitrim and Roscommon (details supplied). [8449/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 205 and 208 together.

The proven environmental benefits of wind power include reduced greenhouse gas emissions and reduction in fossil fuel consumption while also enhancing security of energy supply. Once constructed, wind turbines produce no harmful gas emissions, no effluent, no waste products and no radioactivity. Every megawatt (MW) of installed Irish wind energy capacity displaces carbon dioxide and other emissions. Using the 2008 average carbon dioxide emission for the grid (average including all generating technologies such as coal, gas, oil, peat, CHP and wind) is calculated that each new MW of wind installed displaced the emission of 1,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

When assessing the suitability of a site both technical suitability and environmental suitability must be addressed. The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government has published comprehensive guidelines (Wind Energy Development Guidelines – Guidelines for Planning Authorities June 2006) to assist the proper planning of wind power projects in appropriate locations (including peat lands) around Ireland.

When planning a wind farm, a developer must assess site suitability and project feasibility. Planning permission must be sought. Ground conditions must also be assessed to ensure that they are suitable for wind turbine foundations. The developer must undertake an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The processing of the planning application must be undertaken in line with the regulations set out in the planning legislation. Prior to granting planning permission for any individual site, the relevant planning authority must satisfy itself as to the suitability of the site from an environmental perspective.

My Department does not provide grant aid to wind farm developers. The Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT) scheme is designed to encourage development of electricity from renewable sources.

More information on the terms and conditions of the scheme including the rates that are payable for the electricity produced is available on the Department's website.

Prior to accepting a project into the REFIT scheme, applicants must demonstrate that they have secured planning permission for the site. The assumption is that if the relevant authority has granted planning permission for a site then that site has been assessed as suitable for the development of a wind farm from an environmental perspective. The specific wind farm on the Corry Mountain has been accepted into REFIT and the supply company with which it has contracted has been eligible for payments under the REFIT scheme since October 2009.

I am advised that the wind farm development at Corry Mountain Bog received planning permission from the relevant local authority prior to the designation of the area as a National Heritage Area (NHA). The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has engaged in regular consultations with the developers, who have indicated a willingness to cooperate in mitigating the effects of the development on the NHA.

NPWS is now arranging to have a survey carried out to assess the area. It is envisaged that this survey and any works which may be needed, will be carried out with the cooperation of the developer.