Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

When are the guidelines likely to be issued? On wind energy, what is happening is that the technology has improved dramatically in terms of the height of wind turbines. In the case of current planning applications, wind turbines are approximately twice the size of those dating back to 2004 and 2005. There is considerable concern across the country and in any community I have been in about the impact of wind turbines on houses and the value of property, in addition to quality of life issues such as flicker and noise. The community in Rockchapel in north Cork is concerned about interference with the television transmission service. Something must be done as a matter of urgency. It causes frustration that while the discussions are ongoing with the Department, wind energy projects developers are applying for planning permission under the old guidelines in anticipation of a major change in the new guidelines and these projects will be developed when the new guidelines are in place. There is real urgency. Will the Minister indicate when the directives will be issued to planning authorities?

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