Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that the Deputies have serous concerns regarding the purposed project but I reiterate that it is the intention of the Minister and I to publish new guidelines as soon as possible. It is my understanding that the existing guidelines apply to current planning applications but I will clarify that for them.

I must re-emphasise that the Minister, Deputy Kelly, and I are statutorily precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any individual planning application. Planning authorities must have regard to planning guidelines issued by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. However, these are issued for guidance purposes to assist planning authorities in the performance of their functions. Ultimately, planning authorities will make their own decisions based on the specific merits or otherwise of individual planning applications.

As I have outlined, a significant number of public submissions were received in relation to the review of the wind energy development guidelines. The Department is currently carefully considering the issues raised in the submissions by local communities, the wind industry and other interested parties, in an impartial and evidence-based manner. It is my intention that the revisions to the 2006 wind guidelines will be finalised as soon as possible. It is also my intention that the final guidelines on wind energy development will have fair and reasonable regard to the interests of local communities, while at the same time recognising the importance of renewable, clean energy for the future of our environment and economy.

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