Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask all Deputies to give an accurate picture of the way the process works and not to campaign based on misinformation. I pointed out in my original response the accurate position regarding draft consultation. If people want to get involved in that consultation in a meaningful and constructive way, I would welcome that, but there is sufficient time during the course of most of this year for that consultation to happen. I have outlined the process accurately, but there is a lot of misinformation surrounding this important matter.

The current system, with detailed statutory guidance for planning authorities on wind energy development, provides for a degree of specificity and uniformity across all planning authorities, while also leaving the final decision in the hands of local decision makers. The community and the general public, therefore, will have many opportunities to engage in this process, with the help of their public representatives.

The introduction of mandatory minimum distances set out in statute, as has been proposed by some, could effectively prohibit a planning authority from considering wind energy development that may otherwise be acceptable or even desirable from a broad energy policy perspective. We have to have a balance.

The final outcome of the review of the guidelines will be binding on the planning authorities. These are statutory guidelines which I, as Minister, will issue under section 28 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2012. This provides that planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála must have regard to the guidelines in the performance of their functions and must demonstrate how they have implemented the policies and objectives of the Minister in applying the guidelines in their functional areas. Planning authorities are also required, under section 28, to make copies of the guidelines available for inspection and distribution to members of the public.

I hope I have allayed the concerns of the Deputies. The process is very open, and sufficient time will be given to local communities to have their say.

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