Deputy Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, has said that any future deal between Ireland and Britain on exporting wind energy must be for the benefit of the Irish people.

Speaking following a meeting between Taoiseach Enda Kenny and British Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Colreavy said: "Any future agreement between the Irish and British government on exporting wind energy must be for the benefit of the Irish people.

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"The Memorandum of Understanding signed between Minister Pat Rabbitte and the British government last year on exporting wind energy from Ireland to Britain was a mistake as it effectively turned Ireland into an offshore wind farm for Britain.

"Ireland has renewable energy targets to reach for 2020 and energy demands beyond that. Irish consumers must be the first to benefit from the production of wind energy here.

"Energy companies cannot trample on the rights of Irish citizens in the erection of industrial wind turbines.

"Sinn Féin will be launching a bill this Thursday that will see setback distances imposed on industrial wind turbines. The bill will also mandate government to address Ireland's energy demands first before thinking of exporting renewable energy."

(CD/JP)