Ba mhaith liom an Bille um Rialáil Tuirbíní Gaoithe 2014 a chur os comhair na Dála. I move:
That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to regulate wind turbines through providing limits on the exportation of product generated from wind turbines; protecting nearby dwellings from noise and shadow flicker by providing minimum set back distances; allowing access to public consultative processes and related matters.
In light of the memorandum of understanding signed between the Irish and British Governments concerning the export of renewable energy, we have decided to introduce this Bill to the House. Following last week's announcement from the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, that the current plans to construct wind turbines in the midlands are to be put on hold, and following a meeting between An Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, where it was stated that renewed effort must be given to the export of energy, we consider it is imperative that the Bill should be adopted by the House.
The energy export project may have been mothballed but it has not gone away. This Bill offers proper regulation of the construction of wind turbines and the energy produced from them. Sinn Féin enthusiastically supports renewable energy. We want to see it work. The Bill attempts to impose proper regulation on all aspects of wind turbine developments. It includes proper zoning of areas for wind turbine developments, the duties of planning authorities, set-back distances and the responsibility of decommissioning wind turbines.
Many residents in the midlands have been rightly concerned about proper set-back distances from their properties for wind turbines. The Bill seeks to impose a set-back distance of ten times the height of a turbine from any dwelling for turbines higher than 25 m.
Proper regulations should have been put in place already, which is an omission the Bill seeks to rectify. It is critical that there be a comprehensive strategy and set of policies to manage renewable energy produced in Ireland. Ireland has binding targets for renewable energy which it must achieve by 2020. The fact is that it continues to meet most of its energy requirements from imported fossil fuels. Any renewable energy produced here should be directed towards the reduction of the fuel bills many households find burdensome. The Bill seeks to ensure Ireland's energy demands are met prior to renewable energy being exported.
Proper planning is essential to development in rural Ireland. The Government and energy companies cannot ignore the concerns of local communities about the development of wind turbines. The Bill seeks to address many such concerns and it is our hope that the Government will accept it. While the legislation may not be perfect and could well be improved, it is important to have the debate. Concerns have been expressed about the contracts farmers have signed with wind energy companies. Clarity is required on the issues of land access and land use. The farming community must be fully aware of the consequences of signing contracts.
The suspension of the energy export project gives us all an opportunity to set out a clear national strategy and policy for renewable energy production which best serves the interests of the people. Such a strategy and policy, allied with the legislation I am putting forward, will ensure the Government rather than energy companies and their lobbyists will control our energy destiny. We must reclaim our energy future. Is ábhar tábhachtach é seo agus tá mé ag tnúth le díospóireacht air.
