May 8, 2016
Ireland

New Minister wants consultation on wind farms

RTÉ News | 08 May 2016 | www.rte.ie

The Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources Denis Naughten has said he recognises that some people have objections to wind turbines and that he wants to see further public consultation on the issue.

Speaking at a series of functions in his constituency of Roscommon-Galway last night, Mr Naughten said he wants to see additional options looked at it so that other “energy solutions” can be brought forward.

He said the Government needed to develop more options alongside solar and wind but added that he would work with the ESB, Bord na Móna and Coillte to not only maintain employment levels but drive the climate change agenda.

The new minister also said there “was a very positive future” for Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe despite months of uncertainty and ongoing issues there.

Mr Naughten, the first Cabinet minister in 30 years from the constituency, was greeted by hundreds of supporters and friends at 15 venues he toured across the two counties.

A current member of the so-called Rural Alliance of independent TDs, Mr Naughten was elected as a Fine Gael TD consecutively from 1997-2011 until he lost the party whip after voting against the Government on the downgrading of hospital services.

Mr Naughten, who also sided against Enda Kenny in the unsuccessful heave against his leadership of Fine Gael in 2010, was assigned the new portfolio of Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources on Friday.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/05/08/new-minister-wants-consultation-on-wind-farms/