Fine Gael Mayo TD Michelle Mulherin has strongly criticised Sinn Féin’s Private Members' Bill on wind turbines, saying the party's approach to wind energy is based on preying on people's concern.

Deputy Mulherin also highlighted the conflict between Sinn Féin’s national policy, which supports wind energy, and its local approach, where the party objects to every wind turbine proposal.

"Sinn Féin seems to be suggesting that when county councils or An Bord Pleanála consider planning applications for wind farms, no regard is given to human beings, their health or the environment, and that somehow this Bill will champion those considerations. This is absolutely untrue.

"We have a robust, transparent planning system which is backed up by the Department's wind energy development guidelines for planning authorities, dating back to 2006. Under existing legislation, proposed wind energy projects must demonstrate environmental benefits and minimise environmental and social impacts through careful consideration of location, scale and design. Many people who have been involved in trying to promote and develop wind farms have felt the disdain of An Bord Pleanála and planning authorities if they fail to meet the high standards in place.

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"All of the issues set out in Sinn Féin's Bill – such as distance from housing, noise and shadow flicker - are currently under review as part of the Department of the Environment’s consultation and proposed revision to the 2006 wind energy guidelines. Has Sinn Féin no respect for the views of the many private citizens and other stakeholders who took the time to make a submission? Why has it not waited for the outcome of the review before drafting this legislation?

"The Bill refers to set-back distances, but what technical or engineering rationale or evidence explains the set-back distances Sinn Féin has come up with? Surely there are other factors to be taken into account? The Bill also stipulates that the standard for noise limits from wind turbines should not exceed those specified in the World Health Organization guidelines for community noise. Has Sinn Féin considered the fact that these noise limits are already included in the 2006 wind energy guidelines?"

(CD/IT)