Vol. 458 No. 2
165 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications whether it is the policy of his Department to support all wind energy installation proposals such as that of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary regardless of their scale, their impact on the landscape and their appropriateness in the context of local economics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16644/95]
The developer of the installation in question was offered a contract, subject to full planning permission, under the alternative energy requirement scheme. The scheme was designed to assist Irish energy policy by supporting the cheapest supply of electricity commensurate with environmental objectives. I am aware of the divergence of opinion on the siting of the wind installation referred too. However, this is first and foremost a matter for the developer and the planning authority. I do not have a statutory function in relation to planning matters.
