Tipperary TD ‘shouted down’ and labelled a ‘hypocrite’ after wind farm vote

A Tipperary North TD has been “shouted down” and labelled a “hypocrite” after a vote on wind farms in the Dáil.

Fianna Fáil’s Ryan O’Meara was speaking on the issue of the guidelines in place for the construction of wind farms.

Deputy O’Meara said: “The guidelines for wind farms date from 2006. They have not kept up with advancements in technology.

“I am receiving representations from every corner of my constituency in relation to the inadequacy of guidelines for wind farms.

“Renewable energy is absolutely essential and we cannot regulate it out of existence, either for solar, wind or anaerobic digesters.”

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He went on to ask the Tánaiste, Simon Harris, whether the Government would commit to updating these guidelines.

“Last year, the Tánaiste said that the Government was listening and would revise the 2006 guidelines.

“Last night, the Taoiseach gave a commitment to the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party that we would see draft guidelines for wind turbines next year.

“Setback distances, noise control and flicker must be part of this. Will the Tánaiste commit on the floor of the Dáil today that we will see draft guidelines for wind farms?”

At that point, Deputy O’Meara was interrupted by Aontú’s two TDs, Paul Lawless and Peadar Tóibín.

Deputy Tóibin made the point that the previous day, Deputy O’Meara voted with the Government to delay a bill to update wind farm regulations.

After being labelled a “hypocrite”, Deputy O’Meara stated: “Deputy Lawless and his party get more time than anyone else here, as glorified Independents and I will take my time to represent my constituents.”

“I am speaking for the people of north Tipperary and north-west Kilkenny right now,” he added, before Deputy Tóibín interjected, saying “he is not voting for them.”

After order was restored, Deputy O’Meara continued: “He can stand up here as a glorified independent and do what he will but I will speak for the people I represent and I will not be shouted down.”

“Can I also get a commitment from the Tánaiste on guidelines for offshore wind farms? They are absolutely essential and have to be the future,” he added.

In response, the Tánaiste, Simon Harris, said: “I thank Deputy O'Meara who represents the people of Tipperary North with distinction and hard work.

“I thank him for raising this important issue today, which he has also raised with the Taoiseach. This is an issue about which people right across the country feel very strongly.

“Indeed, I have had a number of meetings with a number of community organisations that are simply asking for the publication of guidelines to bring clarity to this and, as the Deputy rightly says, to update the guidelines.”

“There was a debate in this House last night and the Government position is very clear that those guidelines will be published in 2026,” Deputy Harris added.