Thousands rally against pylons and industrial-scale wind farms

THOUSANDS of protesters marched from Parnell Square to Leinster House on Tuesday in opposition to plans to erect hundreds of pylons and large wind turbines across rural Ireland, particularly in the midlands.

 About 4,000 people took part in the march with most citing the failure of the Government to consult with local communities in areas where they are planning to place hundreds of industrial-scale wind turbines and pylons. Many protesters carried signs expressing concern about how close to homes such pylons or turbines would be built.

 Last week Sinn Féin's Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2014 was accepted by the Dáil. If passed it will impose strict setback distances on wind turbine developments  and requires renewable energy that is produced in Ireland be for the benefit of Irish energy consumers 

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