Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)

I acknowledge that the Deputy is not opposed to renewable energy. I note the recent High Court rulings related to private nuisance claims and related awards of damages connected with noise from particular wind farm developments.

We currently have over 5 GW of onshore wind generation and in 2024, wind accounted for 33% our electricity demand. This is related to the previous question on pricing which I have just answered. Ireland has one of the best wind resources in the world. We are already among world leaders for installed onshore wind capacity per capita and we are a European leader for the integration of variable renewable electricity on the national grid. Meeting our national targets for wind energy will require further integration of renewable technologies in proximity to communities. This has to be done in an appropriate manner in full consultation with those communities.

Important related work is progressing, in collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to review the existing wind energy development guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections. In particular, my Department has been engaged on advancing guidance on the noise aspect of the draft guidelines to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose, having regard to our target to generate 80% of our electricity from renewable sources, and we need to get there, as well as the need to ensure adequate protection of communities and residential developments in proximity.

My Department, in the context of its environmental noise remit, appointed consultants in May 2023 to inform any amendments to the noise aspect of the guidelines. That work is now substantially complete. A strategic environmental assessment is being carried out on the draft guidelines as part of the review process. In this regard, I am advised the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage intends to undertake a public consultation on updated draft guidelines as part of the screening process, whereby all interested parties and, importantly, communities will have an opportunity to submit observations.

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