Fine Gael Chairman and Laois/Offaly TD, Charlie Flanagan, has said that stud farms and racehorse training facilities should be designated as "noise sensitive properties" when planning applications are being considered for wind farm developments.

Deputy Flanagan put forward the proposal in his submission to the Department of Environment on the proposed revisions to wind energy development guidelines.

He explained: "The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ITBA) and other leading industry bodies have raised genuine concerns about the construction of wind farms in the Midlands region. It is my view that bloodstock operations must be designated as noise sensitive properties.

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"The majority of stud farms and training operations are located in rural areas where wind farms are being proposed. The revised guidelines state that wind turbines must be located at least 500 metres from any property. However, the expert care of the bloodstock must not be compromised by the construction and operation of wind turbines in such close proximity.

"The bloodstock industry is worth over €1 billion to our economy. It is a world leader in its field and provides direct employment to over 14,000 people. We cannot have a situation where workers or animals are deemed at risk as a result of turbines being located too close to training gallops or stud farms.

"Thoroughbred horses by their nature are very sensitive animals and industry experts have voiced their concerns over the potential risks involved.

"The perceived benefits that may be derived from wind farms would be considerably outweighed by the adverse impacts that they could have on the bloodstock industry as a whole. This would be most acutely felt in rural areas where significant employment and economic activity has been generated by the industry.

"I believe that the proposed construction of wind farms near thoroughbred operations would have a detrimental effect on the future viability of an industry that, to date, has been very successful."

(JP/IT)