Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Today is 1 May and we still do not have the cost-benefit analysis on the export projects, the new guidelines on planning, and the Government Green Paper. The Minister of State has just told me that the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, will publish the Green Paper shortly. I have heard that here a number of times. We have put the cart before the horse in that regard.

On the issue of planning, and this is an important point, the Minister of State said that An Bord Pleanála "does have regard to" but that is the key point. An Bord Pleanála should be bound to only make decisions that are consistent with local county development plans. I emphasise that point to the Minister because it is important. It is not to veto projects but to make sure we get this right.

Regarding the commitment on setbacks of 500 m, some of the wind turbines planned in the midlands are so tall they might fall on a house. Five hundred metres is a short distance if there are turbines 185 m in height. That setback must be broadened, and I ask the Minister to examine that. She cannot simply set a distance of 500 m because it depends on the height of the turbine. A pro rataelement must be put in the guidelines. Will the Minister confirm that for me?

I welcome the Minister's commitment on shadow flicker. We want the noise levels to be below those set out in the World Health Organization's 1999 guidelines. The Minister might confirm that.

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