John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael)

As the Deputy will be aware, I have no ability as Minister of State with responsibility for planning to place a pause on any type of planning application, be that for housing, wind energy, infrastructural projects or any other type of development. The 2006 wind energy development guidelines will remain in force pending the finalisation of revised guidance, which is currently subject to a focused review by my Department considering matters such as noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.

In conjunction with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, my Department has been working to advance guidance on a number of these key aspects, including the noise aspect of the guidance, to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose, having regard to a series of considerations, including but not limited to our commitments to increase the percentage of our electricity that comes from renewable sources.

In the interim, at local level, the city and county development plans set out where development is acceptable, including wind energy development. I can assure the Deputy that I am acutely conscious of the commitment in the Programme for Government 2025 - Securing Ireland's Future to prioritise the publication of the wind energy development guidance, having regard to international best practice and standards. In light of this commitment, my Department is working towards concluding the finalisation of a review of the guidance as a priority, having regard to the requirements for a public consultation and the finalisation of associated reforms and reviews included in the revision of the NPF.

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