National debate on energy policy needed- Deering

Fine Gael Carlow TD, Pat Deering, has called on Carlow people to get involved in the national debate on Ireland’s energy policy, after meeting today with Carlow residents concerned about windfarms and pylons.

“We need to undertake a holistic examination of our national energy policy. Now is the opportune time for this, while the review on the possible undergrounding of pylons is taking place.  I am really pleased that Minister Rabbitte has committed to a full public consultation process, before a new Energy Policy Framework is developed, and I encourage the people I met today to get involved in this consultation.

“As part of any such review, we would need to examine all options in terms of renewables, including alternatives to wind energy, such as wave and solar energy.

“The Carlow people I met at the Dáil today were relieved that a planning application for The Old Leighlin 21 Turbine wind farm was recently refused. At a national level, the plan to build wind turbines to export energy to the UK has also been shelved. We really are at a crossroads in terms of our energy policy and it is time for a review examining all the options. I encourage everyone to get involved in this important national conversation.”