Written answers

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Wind Energy Guidelines

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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618. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if similar to the EirGrid proximity allowance, he will ensure that wind turbine developers introduce a similar payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13586/14]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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One of the main issues with regard to wind farms that gives cause for concern to local communities tends to be setback distance. Setback distance is addressed by the Wind Energy Development Guidelines published by the Department of Environment and Local Government, a review of which is currently being undertaken by that Department, in conjunction with my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. The review addresses the key issues of separation distance, noise and shadow flicker. Draft revised guidelines, which are available at , were the subject of a public consultation with a view to finalising guidelines by mid–2014, The revised guidelines will apply to all wind farm development in Ireland. It is also important to note that a Renewable Energy Policy and Development Framework is currently being developed by my Department and will address the issue of appropriate benefits to local communities where wind turbines are proposed to be erected. The Framework is being developed in stages with each stage being subject to public consultation. The second stage public consultation will commence in the coming weeks and will be advertised appropriately to ensure maximum consultation.

Comments

Donna channing
Posted on 30 Mar 2014 8:03 pm (Report this comment)

Another key issue is health. Who is looking into that? Wind Turbine Syndrome is well-documented worldwide, even the deputy chief medical officer is aware of it which means, of course, that those in government are also well aware of it.. I can't understand why submissions weren't sought about this most important of issues with regard to industrial wind turbines. No-one has contacted me at all in relation to 'public consultation' and I am living in the middle of the proposed massive wind farms in Offaly. Please visit www.windawareireland.com for facts about this abomination.

Christina Murphy
Posted on 30 Mar 2014 11:12 pm (Report this comment)

The 'main' issue is not setback for me, it's the lies being told to the taxpayer who is subsidising the turbines, the expansion of the grid, the cabling and the pylons that spit EMF every inch of the way. They don't work in doing the reducing of CO2 that we have been told this whole project is about. They are not 'green' or 'clean' because they destroy communities in other countries as well as desecrating Ireland's beauty http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/58783 Please check this link and read about just how dirty and toxic the turbines actually are - a small quote will give you a taster "Manufacturing wind turbines is a resource-intensive process. A typical wind turbine contains more than 8,000 different components, many of which are made from steel, cast iron, and concrete. One such component are magnets made from neodymium and dysprosium, rare earth minerals mined almost exclusively in China, which controls 95 percent of the world’s supply of rare earth minerals". I am not sure if you understand the full extent of the pollution created by the manufacture of these turbines, and that is before they are transported into, and across, Ireland and put into place with tons and tons of concrete. They kill birds and bats and they displace eco systems in their wake. For the health impact to us please read Donna Channing's post for information as it seems silly to keep repeating ourselves. Donna Channing has also provided you with a link to a very informative website, one of many now available, Wind Aware Ireland, please use it. If WE, the Irish people with no financial subsidies (unlike the Wind Industry) and with resources that are held together with sellotape and fundraising, have managed to get all this information together for you I fail to see how you can suggest that our concerns are limited to 'setback' 'flicker' and 'noise'. My concern goes way beyond that because that is just the tip of a very dirty iceberg, being paid for in the amount of Billions, by the Irish taxpayer, under the guise of 'green' and 'clean' energy. I would like to see a full Cost Benefit Analysis of each project submitted for planning in Ireland. I would like to see the guidelines extended to include that so we, the Irish people, can see whether or not we are being told the truth about how 'green' and 'clean' this energy really is, and who is dying along the way.

anne flynn
Posted on 31 Mar 2014 4:14 pm

This comment has been deleted

anne flynn
Posted on 31 Mar 2014 4:31 pm

This comment has been deleted

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