Turbine debate to take off

THOUGH hundreds of wind turbines have already been erected around the country, with the largest number being in elevated areas of Cork and Kerry, a national debate on a vexed issue is just getting underway.

This debate has been triggered by opposition to plans to construct more than 2,000 turbines in the Midlands. Some members of local communities are up in arms over the impact such large-scale developments, to be spread over five counties, could have on their properties and their health.

Millions of euro are being spent on wind farms which, as well as generating electricity, are also expected to provide good returns for investors, landowners and developers. They’re not all in it to save the planet, and communities are only too well aware of the profit motive. People affected in some way by turbines feel that they, too, should benefit, especially if they have to put up with noise.