Councillors vote to change wind turbine regulation won't make any difference according to Waterford Council CEO Michael Walsh.
In light of protests against a proposal by BSB Community Energy to locate wind turbines in the Bonmahon area, councillors last night voted to change the current government guidelines.
Based on similar cases in Donegal and Westmeath that would mean the setback distance from a turbine and the nearest residential property would be ten times the height of the turbine.
The current recommendation is a setback distance of just four times the turbine's height.
Chief Executive Michael Walsh says national policy cannot be changed locally.
Metropolitan Mayor Sean Reinhardt says the fight against the turbines will have to be taken to the Dáil.
Meanwhile Independent Councillor Joe Conway has asked why almost every member of Waterford City and County Council voted for the renewable Energy Strategy last year.
He was the sole opposing voice to the strategy at the time and he wants to know why others have changed their stance.
