Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In December 2013, my Department published proposed draft revisions to the noise, setbacks and shadow flicker aspects of the 2006 wind energy development guidelines. These draft revisions proposed the setting of a more stringent day and night noise limit of 40 decibels for future wind energy developments; a mandatory minimum setback of 500 m between a wind turbine and the nearest dwelling for amenity considerations; and the complete elimination of shadow flicker between wind turbines and neighbouring dwellings. A public consultation process was initiated on these proposed draft revisions to the guidelines, which ran until 21 February 2014. My Department received 7,500 submissions from members of the public during this process, which was a huge number indicating a phenomenal amount of interest.

It is intended that the revisions to the 2006 wind energy development guidelines will be finalised as soon as possible. In this regard, account has been taken of the extensive public consultation in framing the final guidelines. A phenomenal amount of work is involved. Further work is also advancing to develop technical appendices to assist planning authorities with the practical application of the noise measurement aspects of the wind guidelines, which is important. My Department is advancing work on the guidelines in conjunction with other Departments, principally the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

The revisions to the wind energy development guidelines 2006, when finalised, will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála are required to have regard to guidelines issued under section 28 in the performance of their functions under the Planning Acts.

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