The Government is being urged to overhaul the guidelines over the development of windfarms.

Fianna Fáil TD for Longford – Westmeath Robert Troy said the current guidelines have no statutory basis and can be over-ruled by wind farm developers at their own discretion.

He said: "There is intense community debate ongoing across Longford and Westmeath in areas where wind farms have been proposed for development. People in the affected communities are attempting to make sure that the windfarms are safe and do not cause disruption to the local environment.

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"In particular people have serious concerns about the noise, setbacks and shadow flicker aspects of proposed wind farms. Windfarm developers and local communities are currently engaging in consultation with one another through the framework of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines."

The party is proposing to introduce strong legislative guidelines to protect local communities and allow them share in the wealth generated by wind energy resources in their area.