Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Work and analysis are ongoing in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in conjunction with my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on the review of wind energy guidelines. No firm decisions have yet been taken, but it is hoped to finalise the review in the very near future. I understand the concerns the Deputy has raised about the perceived impact in terms of noise, shadow flicker and property prices. We must take carefully into account issues of concern raised by citizens and local communities. We must also examine the issue in the context of energy policy. We have an energy policy in place and adopted a national commitment, but there are also legally binding international requirements to migrate to renewable production of energy. Onshore wind generation has been the most cost effective means by which we can migrate to renewable energy production. That is also another aspect of the issue that we must take on board.

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