Energy policy 'must bring people along' — Heydon

Ireland is ideally placed to capitalise on renewable energy, but it will only work if people and communities are 'brought along' with the concept says Deputy Martin Heydon.

Subsequent to the recent Paris climate talks, he says Ireland must meet its renewable energy targets in a manner that 'is compatible with people's lives'. “I agree with Minister Alex White when he says that people must feel a part of energy policy and not a victim of it. However, as things stand, our approach to pylons and wind turbines are leaving people feeling like victims because of the proximity of the structures to their homes. People in my constituency of Kildare South have direct first hand experience of this and this cannot continue to be the norm."

Deputy Heydon says he firmly believes that the country needs to be flexible in implementation of the approach to renewable energy. "What works for one country may not work for another. A one size fits all approach will not succeed."