Opinions divided on impact of wind farms

More than 40% of people rank personal, physical and mental health as the main reason for their opposition to wind farms, although a similar percentage of people believe Ireland does not have enough wind power developments.

A new study has also found if the ‘setback’ area surrounding wind turbines was extended from the current 500m minimum to 1,000m — and still less than a proposal for it to be set at 1,500m — it would satisfy the concerns of many people living in an area of a proposed development.

The report said: ‘An economic analysis of community preferences for wind farm development in Ireland’, was written by Noreen Brennan of NUI Galway for a PhD in Economics.