Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I hope I can clarify somewhat the issues that were raised. I thank both Deputies for raising this issue. In January of this year, my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government issued updated guidelines on development contributions under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála are required to have regard to the guidelines in performance of their functions under the Planning Acts. The principal aim of the new guidelines is to provide non-statutory guidance on the drawing up of development contribution schemes to reflect the radical economic changes that have impacted across all sectors since guidance last issued in 2007. While it is recognised that the adoption of development contribution schemes is a reserved function of the elected members of each planning authority, one of the outputs of the new guidance should be a greater level of consistency in development contribution schemes on a national basis providing enhanced clarity to inform investment decisions across different local authority areas.

Local authorities now, more than ever, need to achieve the right balance between funding necessary infrastructure through planning gain and supporting and promoting economic activity and job creation by reducing costs to business. Subject to the overriding principles of proper planning and sustainable development, adopted development contribution schemes should contribute to the promotion of sustainable development patterns, economic activity and to securing investment in capital infrastructure and economic activity. To bring this about, planning authorities are required to provide for reduced rates of development contributions or waivers for certain specified developments. Included in those are options for reduced charges in respect of renewable energy development to promote uptake of renewable energy technologies.

For example, planning authorities are encouraged to consider reduced or no charges in respect of renewable energy development which is not supplying electricity to the national grid, but I want to explain that. This is primarily intended to apply, for example, in situations where landowners install wind turbines on their own land for the purpose of generating energy for their own use.

Authorities should also ensure that their schemes distinguish proportionately between large and small-scale. For example, it would be inappropriate to charge the same flat rate charge to a 6,000 MW wind turbine as it would for a 3 MW wind turbine.

It should also be made clear that such reduced development contribution arrangements or waivers are not intended to apply in respect of the development of wind farms where the energy generated is "for export" and is not supplied to the national grid. If that needs to be further clarified for Deputy Fleming, I would be happy to do so.

The construction of wind farms are subject to the planning code in the same manner as other developments. Planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála must also have regard to my Department's 2006 Guidelines for Wind Energy Developments. We are currently undertaking a targeted review of these guidelines focusing on the issues of noise, proximity and shadow flicker. I expect those revised wind energy development guidelines will be finalised around the middle of next year.

To turn to Deputy Mulherin's issue of community gain in the context of energy-related infrastructure projects, the Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure, published by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in July 2012, recognises that the delivery of long-lasting benefits to communities is an important way of achieving public acceptability for infrastructure. The statement also sets out the Government's support for a community gain approach in the delivery of energy infrastructure as a means of mitigating potential visual disamenity. The policy statement underlines the imperative for early and ongoing engagement and consultation with local communities and all stakeholders before projects enter the planning stage. This is essential for building public confidence, ensuring a more balanced public debate and a more timely delivery of projects.

The Government will keep under close review the effectiveness of the consultation processes at local level as well as the Strategic Infrastructure Act in delivering the necessary outcomes which balance the concerns of local communities with the economic, social and energy security benefits of other projects.

While everyone, ultimately, benefits from national energy infrastructure, potential negative impacts resulting from concerns about visual amenity, health and safety need to be mitigated through the consultation process and, where appropriate, the application of community gain measures. The Government considers that greater focus must be given to co-operative work with local communities and local authorities on landscape, biodiversity and civic amenity benefits bringing long-lasting benefits for communities. It is therefore appropriate for State companies and energy project developers to examine suitable means of building community gain considerations into their project budgeting and planning. The Government is fully supportive of a community gain approach being applied in the delivery of energy infrastructure.

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