Future of wind power is at sea

THE acknowledgement yesterday, by Planning Minister Simon Coveney, that we have reached a point where large-scale windfarms are not acceptable is very welcome, but it would be even more so had he had not used the wriggle room qualifier “large-scale”.

His assertion that off-shore wind might be the more sustainable option is welcome too but, again, he should have been more assertive.

Nevertheless, his statement indicates a change of heart, one that will certainly be cheered by those facing the prospect of the technological neighbours from hell — a windfarm — on their doorstep. It will also be cheered by those — and there are more than you might think — who believe commercial interests cannot be allowed destroy the quality of life enjoyed by a community or, in the worst cases, make a home uninhabitable.