Vol. 496 No. 6
137 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans, if any, she has for the development and control of wind farms as a source of energy; if she has satisfied herself with the impact of this development on small rural communities and its effect on areas of high scenic amenity; her views on whether these projects are causing serious concern at local level; and the extent to which this development will continue. [23732/98]
139 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the Government's policy, if any, in relation to renewable wind energy which it intends to impose on rural communities; and if she will ensure that all future site developments, by multinationals or state agencies, are discussed with local groups affected by these proposals. [23751/98]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 137 and 139 together.
The Government's An Action Programme for the Millennium contains a commitment to publish a Green Paper on environmentally-sustainable energy sources. The Green Paper, which will be published shortly, will explore the options available for meeting Ireland's energy requirement over the next ten to 15 years in an environmentally and economically sustainable way having regard to forecast economic growth, security of energy supply and the requirement to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Local consultation on renewable energy developments is a matter for the project developer while a decision to permit construction of a renewable energy development at any particular site is a matter for the relevant planning authority and, if necessary, An Bord Pleanála. I have no statutory function in these matters.
138 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her long-term plans for the generation of electricity through wind turbines; and her views on the location of these developments offshore rather than on land sites. [23750/98]
The Government's Action Programme for the Millennium contains a commitment to publish a Green Paper on environmentally-sustainable energy sources. The Green Paper, which will be published shortly, will explore the options available, for meeting Ireland's energy requirement over the next ten to 15 years in an environmentally and economically sustainable way having regard to forecast economic growth, security of supply and the requirement to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
140 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if the ESB and Bord na Móna will be involved in any future developments in the area of electricity production from renewable resources. [23770/98]
Renewable resources used in electricity generation include wind, biomass, waste, hydro and solar power.
The existing Alternative Energy Requirement (AER) programme is supported by the ESB through the purchase of electricty produced by the independent generators using renewable sources.
