John Gormley
Ceist:75 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the consideration, if any, his Department has given to the revenue raising potential of wind farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4541/99]
Written Answers. - Wind Farms.
Issues arising from the erection of wind farms only come within my area of responsibility when they are erected in a marine environment and I will confine my response to that area.
There are many issues to be considered in developing a policy for the erection of wind farms in the marine environment – impact upon shipping and fishing, visual intrusion where they are located in proximity to the shore, interference with existing recreational activities, impact, if any, upon coastal protection, issue of licences under the Foreshore Acts etc. It will be necessary to develop policy and guidance notes for this issue and work is under way in this area. I hope that this process will be completed within the next few months. The revenue earning potential will be assessed in that context.