The Government is to accelerate wind-energy development, in line with recommendations from an expert group's report which has examined obstacles to the sector's expansion. These include public opposition and bottlenecks in the planning system.
The Strategy for Intensifying Wind Energy Development, published yesterday, recommends extensive surveying to identify areas most suitable for wind farms based on wind source, network availability and visual impact. These should feature in county and regional development plans but with clear provision for "no-go" areas.
In response to opposition to wind energy projects and planning delays, the Renewable Energy Strategy Group report says research into public attitudes towards wind farms needs to be undertaken. The group calls for measures for a limited period to encourage the initial development of the "green electricity market".
The Minister of State for energy, Mr Joe Jacob, who commissioned the report, accepted its thrust and said he would be bringing forward policy improvements after consulting all parties.
The expert group included planning experts, local authorities, the wind-energy industry, the ESB, the Irish Energy Centre and the Government. Chaired by Prof John FitzGerald of the ESRI, its brief was helping to ensure delivery of a 500-megawatt target from wind energy (7 per cent of electricity production, compared to 1 per cent at present) by 2005.
