Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have rejected the Wind Turbine Bill put forward by Sinn Fein.

The bill proposed a ten to one minimum setback distance for wind turbines.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Community and Rural Development Carol Nolan TD hit out at the two parties for voting against the bill.

Teachta Nolan said: "The Bill proposed a setback distance of ten times the height of the turbine in order to protect rural dwellers.

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"It proposed greater consultation with local communities and provisions to protect against noise and shadow flicker.

"Many rural communities have suffered as wind energy development has expanded rapidly in the absence of appropriate regulation to protect local communities.

"In effect, wind energy companies have been allowed to run amok though rural Ireland.

"Once again, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have shown that they cannot be trusted to stand up for rural communities, despite all the rhetoric to the contrary."

(CD/MH)