Committee To Debate Industrial Wind Turbines

The location of industrial wind turbines across Ireland and the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill are to be discussed this afternoon by the Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht.

Michael McCarthy, Cathaoirleach of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, said: "The location of wind turbines and wind farms across the country has been controversial and divisive. It is generally acknowledged that for energy security and environmental reasons, Ireland must look at alternative methods of energy generation, such as wind energy. However, concerns have also been raised about the impact of wind turbines on local communities and landscapes. Tomorrow we will have an opportunity to hear from one community association, Lakelands Wind Farm Information Group, where the issue can be discussed in more detail.

"Following this meeting, the Committee will resume its discussions on the Outline Heads of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill. Professor John Sweeney, Ireland's leading expert on climate science and a Professor of Geography at NUI Maynooth, will be in attendance as we discuss progress on our report on the proposed legislation."

(IT/CD)