Sinn Fein has introduced a Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2016 which aims to protect rural communities and ensure that the development of wind energy is achieived.

Spokesperson for Communications, Climate Change and the Environment Brian Stanley TD hopes that all parties will vote for the Bill next Thursday.

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He said: "To protect rural dwellers, we are proposing a setback distance of 10 times the height of the turbine, along with provisions to protect against noise and shadow flicker. Coupled with this we allow for both optional community ownership and greater consultation.

"Many rural communities have suffered because of a lack of legislation in terms of planning for wind turbines as successive governments have concentrated on this single form of renewable energy without effective planning regulations."

(CD/MH)