Michael Ring
Ceist:155 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his policy in relation to wind farms. [12008/96]
Written Answers. - Wind Farms.
I am committed to the promotion of wind energy in a manner fully in line with environmental policies and objectives. In 1994, my Department, in consultation with the ESB, developed the alternative energy requirement AER 1, a competitive scheme to support alternative and renewable energy development. As a result of the AER 1 initiative, ten wind projects with a total capacity of 73 megawatts are due to be developed.
In late 1995, I initiated a detailed review of the renewable energy sector in Ireland. My objective was to consider the success of AER 1 and to develop a long-term support strategy for the sector. I recently announced the details of my new strategy. I have set a short-term target of 90MW of additional capacity to be secured from wind energy by the year 1999. Capacity is to be procured through annual competitions. A capital grant of £65,000 per megawatt installed will be made available to support wind development up to the end of 1999. In addition, I have set a long-term target of achieving an additional 300 MW for the year 2010. My policy document, Renewable Energy — A Strategy for the Future, is available from the Oireachtas Library.
I am aware that for my strategy to succeed, possible barriers must be identified and overcome. The issue of planning is an important one. Local authorities must look favourably on the wind energy potential of their regions and ensure that their development plans include adequate positive provision, having regard to the planning guidelines issued by the Department of the Environment. This is of critical importance and will influence the future of wind farm development in Ireland.