Sinn Fein is to bring a Wind Turbine Regulation Bill before the Dáil on Thursday, 21 September.

The Bill aims to ensure that the industry develops with community engagement and legal protection for rural communities.

The party's Environment Spokesperson Brian Stanley TD said: "Six Ministers and two Governments have failed to resolve this issue.

"Wind is undoubtedly part of the answer to Ireland's energy needs but the State needs to avoid putting all its eggs in one basket.

"Vested interests have sought to cover counties such as Laois and Offaly with wind turbines. Myself and my Sinn Féin colleague Carold Nolan TD have resisted this fiercely and will continue to do so.

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"I will bring before the Dáil a Wind Turbine Regulation Bill. This is an opportunity for TDs from Fianna Fáil and Labour to get off the fence on this issue and to join Sinn Féin in standing up for communities in rural Ireland.

"Sinn Féin is the first political party to put forward legislation giving firm legal protections for rural communities across the State in relation to the siting of wind farms.

"This Bill aims to ensure that development of wind energy is achieved with the direct input of local communities.

"Turbines should be located in areas designated by democratically elected councillors in county development plans and there should be optional co-ownership for local residents.

"Renewable energy development is urgently needed but it is also vital that we create diverse renewable energy sources. Offshore wind, biomass and biogas are extremely and unacceptably underdeveloped."

(CD/LM)