Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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377. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the likely capacity factor of the proposed Cluddaun wind farm over its lifetime; the amount of electricity it would be likely to produce in 2014 if it were in operation now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5214/14]

Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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384. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ask the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to estimate, from the data in its recently updated wind atlas, the likely annual electricity production from the proposed Oweninny and Cluddaun wind farms in County Mayo for the turbines considered in the noise analysis of the planning applications, Vesta v90 and Vestas V112, at the hub heights applied for 90 m, 105 m and 120 m; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5062/14]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 377 and 384 together.

As Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, it is not appropriate for me to comment on the technical details of individual wind farms. The SEAI wind atlas was developed as an information tool for Local Authorities to identify areas suitable for renewable energy in their County Development Plans and for developing their wind energy strategies. The wind atlas provides information on wind speeds in various areas around Ireland. It does not provide analysis of speeds at specific sites, for which specialist wind farm modelling capability, and site specific data, would be required. However, the wind atlas database is available to any private or public entity wishing to carry out an initial analysis of the wind energy potential of a site in Ireland.

As regards access to information on specific sites, I have many times stated the importance of early and transparent engagement between project developers and local communities as the most constructive way of ensuring all parties are fully informed.