Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The wind energy development guidelines provide guidance for planning authorities on planning for wind energy projects by ensuring consistency of approach in the identification of suitable locations for wind energy developments and the treatment of planning applications throughout the country for such developments and assisting developers and the wider public in considering wind energy development. The current guidelines have been in place since 2006.

In December 2013 the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government began a review of the existing guidelines. The review of the guidelines is set against the backdrop of the need to tackle global warming, reduce Ireland's reliance on fossil fuels and meet Ireland’s legally binding EU and international obligations, including in regard to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and the generation of renewable energy, as well as real and legitimate concerns about the impact of essential energy infrastructure on local communities. The review focuses on the specific issues of noise, proximity and shadow flicker. All other sections of the existing guidelines are to remain in place. Submissions were received from around 7,500 organisations and members of the public during the public consultation period.

This is a very technical area and the engagement between the two Departments is ongoing.

Technical studies have been obtained on various aspects of the issues involved, particularly noise, including separation distance, and detailed assessments of various options have been undertaken by the two Departments. Revisions to the guidelines following the conclusion of deliberations will be introduced by issuing the revised guidelines to planning authorities under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

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