Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent Ireland Party) | Oireachtas source

We asked him to clarify for how many years wind farm applications have been approved without HSE oversight. We asked why An Bord Pleanála ceased informing the HSE of such applications, whether An Bord Pleanála was instructed to stop the practice and who is responsible for ensuring public health risks are properly assessed in the planning process. Why were responses to parliamentary questions published on 22 October regarding HSE involvement in wind farm planning delayed for five weeks, held by the Tánaiste's then Department and only referred to the HSE on the day of the general election? We requested that the outstanding question be fully answered. We asked the Taoiseach to state the Government's official position on the health impact of wind farms given the absence of HSE input in the planning process and growing concerns for affected communities.

Planners lack the expertise to assess public health risks. Why did An Bord Pleanála stop informing the HSE? Was it instructed to stop? Who was liable? What is the State's position on wind farms and their health impacts?

The High Court has ruled that wind turbine noise is a nuisance. Will the Tánaiste provide a written response confirming whether wind farm noise at 43 dB (A) LA90 is considered a statutory nuisance? Does the Government reject the High Court's judgment on wind turbine noise being a nuisance?

Before the Tánaiste answers my questions, I wish to point out that the guidelines relating to wind farms have not been updated since 2006. There is video evidence from 2013 of the current Taoiseach asking Enda Kenny, one of his predecessors, to have the guidelines updated. I have a written version of Deputy Martin's concerns at the time. Since then, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have been in government for a number of years but the guidelines have not been updated. This is despite the fact that there are health risks involved. Will the Tánaiste provide the written reply I have requested? Will he also respond to my other questions?

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