Windfarm debate expected as government launches consultation on renewable energy

Anyone with concerns about proposed large-scale wind farms is being asked to contact the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
It’s launched a public consultation on the Renewable Energy Export Policy, with people being given a month to write in with their concerns and comments.
In January, the Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte signed an agreement with the UK on supplying electricity from renewables to Britain. Now, a public consultation has been announced, with Friday November 22nd confirmed as the closing date for written submissions.
The issue of large scale windfarms is a contentious one in Donegal.
Earlier this week a consultant speaking on behalf of the Glenties Windfarm Information Group told Donegal County Council he believed the County  Development Plan needed to be changed because it did not address concerns over set back distances from houses, and breaches a number of EU regulations.
Peter Crossan of Planning and Research Solutions said noone is advocating a total ban, but argued that more regulation and control is needed.
That echoes a point made earlier this year by Independent North West MEP Marian Harkin. She says a uniform national policy is needed, rather than the current situation where councils set their own regulations, and the rules differ from county to county.
She said the regieme in Donegal is one of the most liberal in the country.