Video – Irish Government accepts Sinn Féin’s Wind Turbine Regulation Bill

SINN FÉIN TDs have welcomed the Irish Government’s decision to accept the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2014.

The Bill was brought before the Dáil this week during Sinn Féin’s Private Members time.

Sinn Féin Environment spokesperson Brian Stanley TD said:

“The guidelines published by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government are clearly inadequate and what is instead required is strict regulation of wind turbine developments.

“Sinn Féin’s Bill proposes that a minimum distance of ten times the height of the turbine from any dwelling must be observed. I welcome that the Government are allowing this Bill to pass through the Dáil.”

Deputy Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Energy, said:

“I welcome that the Government have accepted this piece of legislation. The Wind Turbine Regulation Bill seeks to impose strict setback distances on wind turbine developments.

“It also requires renewable energy that is produced in Ireland be for the benefit of Irish energy consumers.

“This Bill should form part of the wider debate on energy strategy.”

The party’s spokesperson on Agriculture, Deputy Martin Ferris, said:

“It is clear that this Bill needs to be brought to committee stage as soon as possible. The communities affected by wind turbine developments must be given the peace of mind that they will not have large-scale projects imposed on them.

“There must be a clear vision on our energy strategy and this Bill will hopefully offer some guidance to Government.

“I hope that this is not just an election stunt on behalf of the Government parties in the run-up to the local and European election but rather a meaningful engagement on the issue.”