Planning guidelines on wind energy

The broad direction of the draft planning guidelines on wind energy development was welcomed yesterday by ICMSA Rural Development Committee chairman Tommy Cooke.

He described them as a step in the right direction, which should help wind farm development to reach its full potential.

Mr Cook said the ICMSA noted with regret the fact that, up to this point at least, many fine wind farm projects have been rejected due to objections on planning grounds, whether environmental or scenic.

It is hopeful that many of these objections can now be overcome and settled to the satisfaction of all parties.