Statements on Wind Energy

Statements on Wind Energy with Minister for State for Housing and Planning at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Jan O’Sullivan T.D. Seanad Eireann

I would like to join with my colleagues in welcoming the Minister to the Chamber this afternoon.

Security of energy supply is vital for the economy and for society.   That supply must be continuous to meet the everyday needs of homes and businesses.

In Europe, Ireland’s energy network compares favourably and maintaining that network must be a priority for continuing to attract foreign direct investment.

Fossil fuels resources are finite, so the need to establish a stable and robust supply of energy from alternative and renewable resources is an imperative.   The renewable energy network must be capable of meeting the needs of the economy and society now and into the future.

Ireland is in an enviable position – possessing massive potential for wind energy, particularly along the western coastline.    By harnessing this resource, we can supply a clean and efficient energy resource, and become less reliant on imported fossil fuels.  

By developing and investing in these technologies we will be meeting our obligations under the Renewable Energy Directive which as know requires Ireland to increase its take from renewable sources to 16% by 2020.   We can also reduce our dependency on imported fuels and significantly reduce CO2 levels in the atmosphere.

Ireland has the potential to create an additional benefit from investment in wind technology.   The Western coast line has the potential to supply energy, together with other technologies, in excess of the demand required by the domestic market.

Recognising this potential I recently welcomed the memorandum of understanding which was signed between Minister Pat Rabbitte and his UK counterpart, establishing a commitment between Ireland and the UK to work closely in harnessing the economic benefits from trading in renewable energy.   

The Memorandum is the first step in establishing a successful export market for renewable energy which will reap benefits for employment growth and export earnings for the domestic market.   The UK is facing potential energy shortages by 2015 something which we should be aiming to capitalise on.

In April Minister Rabbitte also announced an extension of the REFIT 2 Scheme which gives investors until 2017 to assist in achieving renewable energy targets.   Creating a positive incentive for investors in the renewable energy sector and further assisting in the achievement of our green energy targets, particularly in the wind energy sector.

I agree that when establishing these new technologies it is important to consider the concerns of local communities.   The new technologies must adhere to the highest international standards of health and safety, environmental and visual impact.  

I know that Government policy includes an imperative for State companies and individuals to engage early and with transparency with local communities and stakeholders in all energy projects.

State companies are mandated to plan developments in a safe and efficient manner and mitigate so far as is possible the human, environmental and visual impact.

As the Minister has stated the Wind Energy Guidelines, which offer advice to planning authorities on planning for wind energy projects and provides a framework for ensuring standards are met are under review.  

I welcome this process, much of the technology in delivering wind and renewable energy is very new and as the science and technology involved continues to develop and be improved upon so too should the guidelines and planning process.

There is a lot of work to be done in this area and important balance to be found, in minimising the impact of these new technologies upon local communities and the environment but in also addressing our over reliance on a method of energy production which is based on a finite input resource.   This will be an important consideration in devising an energy policy which is capable of meeting the demands of the economy and society for the future.