Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy O'Donoghue for the question. I also thank him for meeting me and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney and for bringing some of his constituents to see me about this issue. The stress, anxiety and worry of the people the Deputy brought to meet me are experiencing was very clear. I acknowledge that. Before we get into science, guidelines and everything else, I accept the bona fides of the people concerned and the worry and stress they have experienced. They spoke to me about the impact this was having on them. This is one of the reasons why we have explicitly stated in the programme for Government that there is a need to make progress regarding updated guidelines. I accept that this has gone on for far too long. It has been talked about for a long number of years. I will reply in writing to each of the specific questions the Deputy asked. I thank him for suggesting I do that.

The idea of the HSE being a notifiable organisation is common sense. That would certainly assist in closing the loop in terms of some of the issues that people have raised regarding the guidelines.

The factual position is that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is progressing a focused review of the wind energy development guidelines. The review is examining a number of key aspects, including noise, setback distances, shadow flicker, community obligation and dividend and grid connections. It is working in conjunction with the Department of Climate, Environment and Communications, which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters. Both Departments have been working to advance guidance on the noise aspect of the guidelines, which, I am informed, is highly technical in nature. The Departments have also been engaging on proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose, having regard to various targets that have been set. Further to this engagement, I am informed that the Department of Climate, Environment and Communication appointed noise consultants in May 2023 to work on amendments to those aspects of the guidelines. I am also informed that this work is now substantially complete.

The Department of housing, in conjunction with the Department of communications, will make any further changes to the draft guidelines that are deemed necessary. Once they are published, there will be an opportunity for people to engage in respect of the guidelines. This is fair, because we have had new planning legislation, including the new Planning and Development Act and the national planning framework. We need to make sure that the finalised guidelines are in line with that legislation and the new national planning framework. While the current guidelines remain in force, the work on new wind guidelines is under way and being accelerated. I will provide the Deputy with written answers to each of the specific matters he raised.

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