Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Page 125 of the programme for Government contains a commitment that the Government would, as a matter of urgency, update wind farm planning guidelines within three to six months to offer a better balance, etc. That commitment was made over two years ago but we still have not seen the guidelines. The previous Government also promised guidelines in this area. Four Ministers later, we still have not received them. We must have good planning and get communities on board. The problem is that wind farms are springing up apace in the meantime. The most recent one to be granted planning permission comprises 12 giant turbines in Walsh Island on the far side of Portarlington, County Offaly. The turbines are probably well in excess of 500 m in height and within 700 m of homes. The Government has proposed draft guidelines but we have not yet seen proper guidelines to regulate these wind farms. It is an urgent issue which every recent Government has danced around. It is time for that dancing to stop. Communities in Laois and Offaly need protection.

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