Sir, – It is not true the World Health Organisation has recommended increased setback distances for wind turbines (Letters, August 17th).
In a detailed 2018 study, the WHO said there was no evidence or “low quality” evidence of any health effect from wind energy and said it was unclear reducing exposure to wind turbine noise had any benefit.
The Irish Department of Health agrees and says, “There is no reliable or consistent evidence that wind farms directly cause adverse health effects in humans”.
Proposed new wind energy guidelines will substantially increase setback distances from residential homes well beyond 500 metres and, despite the fact that this will increase electricity prices for consumers, industry is working to accommodate this in an effort to try and meet half-way the concerns of those opposed to renewable energy.
Climate change is real. We must cut our carbon emissions. In 2019, wind energy provided 32 per cent of our electricity and cut our carbon emissions by 3.9 million tonnes.
It also reduced our annual fossil-fuel import bill by €248 million, cut wholesale electricity prices and supported more than 5,000 jobs. It is the single most effective tool we have with which to face the climate emergency.
Last week’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report is a call to action for Irish society.
We must speed up the development of on and offshore renewable energy, we must strengthen our electricity grid, we must find new ways to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and we must challenge those who seek to prevent action on climate change. – Is mise,
JUSTIN MORAN,
Head of Public Affairs,
Wind Energy Ireland,
Naas,
Co Kildare.