Presidential Address by Micheal Martin TD at 74ú Árd Fheis RDS

Motion to Mullingar Town Council to support Community Groups opposition to Industrial Wind Farms.

Posted by Cllr Ken Glynn
19th April 2013


Notice of motion I have put down at next weeks Mullingar Town Council meeting where I will seek all party support to stand behind local communities against plans to build industrial wind farms throughout our county.

4.2 Cllr.Glynn:To call on Mullingar Town Council to support the growing number of local community groups in opposing plans to build industrial wind farms throughout the county which will then be used to source power to the UK.

Troy disappointed by Rabbitte refusal to consider moratorium on wind farms

By Robert Troy TD
19th April 2013


 National Energy Strategy needed to ensure communities are central to process

Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has said he is extremely disappointed the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources has flatly refused to consider implementing a moratorium on wind farms while a new national renewab...le energy strategy is developed.

Deputy Troy has raised the issue directly with Minister Rabbitte in the Dáil in light of what he described as “widespread concern and anxiety among communities across the midlands” at the prospect of the largest wind farm in Europe being built in region.

Deputy Troy said: “The proposed wind farm will affect entire communities across the midlands which are not being consulted. Given that the scale of the development will mean that any potential application will need to go directly to An Bord Pleanála, does the Minister not believe we need something more than non-binding wind energy guidelines to influence a decision? This is a national issue and it warrants a national strategy on renewable energy. The Government should introduce a moratorium on any future development until such a strategy is introduced. The national strategy should encompass all renewable energy sources - wind, biomass, solar and others. There should be consultation with the various industries, the local community groups, environmental groups and the various Departments.

“I believe such a strategy could then inform the Government and take into account competing interests. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications could be charged with formulating the strategy, looking at various countries where best practice exists.

“It makes sense to have a moratorium in place until the guidelines are reviewed, amended and put on a statutory footing. These guidelines should deal with issues such as ensuring communities are aware of potential planning applications and that proper comprehensive public consultation is carried out. The distance between the residence and any proposed turbine should reflect the height of the turbine. Environmental impact assessments need to be carried out. We need scientific studies on noise, flicker and shadowing. We need to use the most up-to-date research from the World Health Organization to ensure that no potential development will have a detrimental effect on people's health.

“We need to ensure our targets are met under the EU directive before we start exporting excess energy but consultation and a proper process must be adhered to. A national strategy would ensure this but would also ensure that the State would benefit more than simply a 12.5% corporation tax. I find it amazing that if one were to add an extension to the back of one's house of 40 sq. m or more one must adhere to primary legislation on planning permission so I do not see the big issue with regard to introducing legislation on the governance of industrial wind farms in our area.

“During the Dáil debate Minister Rabbitte suggested a moratorium might act as a barrier to creating jobs. However I believe it is incumbent upon us to make sure that we go forward in a sustainable manner, creating jobs, generating renewable energy but also ensuring that we don’t infringe negatively upon rural dwellers and rural life in Ireland.

“When I raised these issues with Minister Rabbitte he acknowledged that there was genuine concern in the midlands and that these concerns are being raised by all parties. I welcome the fact that the Minister is engaging on the issues but I am very disappointed that he appears unwilling to consider a moratorium in the interests of local communities and getting the process right. What I have proposed to him is based on common sense and seeks to avoid a situation where communities feel they are being railroaded into accepting projects with limited consultation and in inappropriate locations due to a lack of legislation. I urge the Minister to look again at this issue and concern the proposals I have put forward.”

Topical Debate on the need for a National Strategy for Development of wind energy - Troy

By Robert Troy TD

I secured a topical debate on need for a national strategy for development of wind energy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdEj7dGZpi4

 

 

Banks hold all the cards in new Personal Insolvency regime – Collins

 

Posted on 18/04/13 by Niall Collins

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins has described the new personal insolvency regime as ‘fundamentally flawed’, as the banks still hold all the cards.

Deputy Collins said the new insolvency guidelines published today will not change the fact that Minister Shatter’s new framework is essentially a Bankers’ Charter.

“These guidelines will provide little comfort to families crippled by debt. When it comes down to crunch talks with debtors, the balance of power will remain firmly in favour of the banks,” said Deputy Collins.

“The Government has ensured that the dysfunctional banking system will still hold all the cards in personal insolvency negotiations. As long as the banks retain a veto, ordinary homeowners will continue to struggle in their efforts to get a fair deal and secure a decent future for their families.
“The thousands of people across the country who are simply unable to cope with crippling mortgage and personal debt do not need a system that allows the banks to retain all the control. What they need is an independent debt settlement office that will ensure fairness and consistency in insolvency agreements. I and my party have published legislation to allow for this and it is deeply disappointing that the Government has failed to consider it.

“Minister Shatter has described this as 'the best solution'. But an insolvency regime needs to deliver for those in genuine difficulty who have no other way out. It needs to offer a fair and realistic way forward. Unfortunately, this falls far short of that mark,” said Deputy Collins.