Labour TDs row over wind turbine distance debate

Energy minister Alex White claims proposed planning guidelines to distance windfarms from communities by at least 1km would “kill off” wind farm production.

His comments come as the Government faces pressure to distance high-powered wind turbines from towns and villages but also to meet EU renewable energy guidelines and thereby avoid hefty fines from Brussels.

A standoff is under way between Mr White and Environment Minister Alan Kelly over how far wind turbines should be from communities. Mr Kelly is finalising updated 2006 guidelines on windfarms.