Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Wind energy is an important renewable, but the guidelines governing wind energy and wind turbines are 15 years old. They are out of date and antiquated and do not reflect where the industry is at the moment. New guidelines are almost in place. They have been on ice since December 2019, but they will be issued to local authorities shortly. Crucially for residents, the new guidelines provide for a setback of 500 m from homes. It is important that we get them out immediately. In the interim, I ask that the Government issue guidance to all planning authorities that there be a moratorium on new applications that exploit the old system until the new guidelines are in place in a matter of weeks. A flurry of applications are being received. One in my community was before the High Court yesterday. Its turbines will stand 100 m tall, which is taller than Big Ben, and cast a shadow over local houses. We need to get the guidelines in place, but we also need a circular to issue to planning authorities in the interim.

See this speech in context