I pick up from where Deputy Dolan left off regarding the wind energy development planned for east Galway. I have mentioned here previously that we are being bombarded with plans for developments right around the constituency, including in Killimordaly, Shancloon, Cooloo, Barnaderg and lots more places. What really concerns me, apart from the negative impact they will have if they get the go-ahead, is the enormous stress this is bringing currently to the people living in those communities. From a cost perspective, it is costing some of the community groups €30,000 to prepare a comprehensive submission, which is required to hold off these developments. They have to concentrate on all aspects, including environmental, archaeology, hydrology, heritage and the impact on the community. It is really about the planning guidelines and when we can expect them to be impactful.

As I outlined earlier to Deputy Dolan, the Minister for housing is looking at guidelines and will bring forward a national planning statement that will create guidelines and frameworks for both onshore wind and solar energy. The entire objective is to balance energy security and sustainability with ensuring development does not impinge on residential amenity or people's quality of life.