Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. Obviously, people and communities absolutely matter. That is why it is important to say on the record that there will be an opportunity, before the draft guidelines are finalised, for further input and consultation, including with CEPA. I have no difficulty at all in meeting with CEPA. I just have to arrange it in my diary. I am very happy to make sure that happens, along with engagement with relevant line Ministers as well.

We all need to be honest about this, which we are. People and communities should not be misrepresented. We need renewable energy. We all get that.

We also need guidelines that work, that are fit for purpose and that take cognisance of a number of the changes we have seen in recent months and years and some of the provisions in the planning Bill that I have outlined. We hope that Bill will be passed into law during the summer period. We will work to get this right. We will engage with communities and work to have a replacement for the 2006 wind guidelines later this year.

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