Sinn Féin Councillor Conro D. McGuinness has welcomed an indication from the Southern Regional Assembly that it will make a submission as part of the ongoing consultation on the Government’s draft Wind Energy Guidelines. McGuinness was recently elected to the Assembly and attended his first meeting this week.
McGuinness said:
“The Southern Regional Assembly is made up of representatives from across Munster and South Leinster and oversees strategic and economic planning for ten local authorities. I was recently elected to the body and I am determined to use my position to work for the people of West Waterford.
“I briefed the Assembly about the current consultation on the draft Wind Energy Guidelines and requested that a submission be made in line with regional policy objectives on protecting our landscapes, farmland, coastline, habitats and natural heritage, as well as the commitment to supporting microgeneration of electricity (eg. small-scale wind and solar energy) and community ownership of larger wind turbines.”
“New guidelines on wind energy have been a long time coming. Current decision making is based on old and outdated regulations that have not kept pace with the development of technology. I organised a workshop for councillors in Waterford last week to discuss a unified submission, and I would encourage anyone with an interested in this subject to make a submission of their own. Email your opinion to wedgreview@housing.ie before 5pm Wednesday 19th February.”
Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness 