Opposition TDs have called on Government to ensure “people” are at the forefront of guidelines on wind farms.

Taoiseach Simon Harris told the Dáil today that new guidelines on wind farms will be in place by the end of the year.

The current set of guidelines has been in place since 2006.

A protest was held outside Leinster House earlier by community groups from 20 counties across Ireland concerned about turbines' impact on locals.

'Families matter'

Independent TD for Galway East Sean Canney called on Government to listen to their concerns.

“People matter and families matter,” he said.

“I think it’s important that when we bring in any rules, regulations or guidelines on windfarms that people be at the top of our agenda.”

An offshore windfarm in the north of England. Image: Islandstock / Alamy Stock Photo

Independent TD for Limerick Richard O’Donoghue said families who live close to turbines are struggling to sleep at night.

“Every time you see a wind turbine going around, think about the people from the 20 counties here today,” he said.

“Remember when you brought a baby home and you were hoping for the day that they would sleep through the night so you could get a good night’s sleep.”

Wind generated 39% of all electricity in Ireland last year and was only second to gas (47%) as an energy source.

Main image: Wind turbines and powerful sea waves on the coast of Wexford in southern Ireland. Bernard Golden / Alamy