Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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109. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an outline of the discussions he had with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government on new planning guidelines for wind turbines; the scenarios examined for set-back distances between wind turbines and residential homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22976/15]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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In this question I ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for an outline of the discussions he has had with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government on the new planning guidelines.

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The wind energy development guidelines provide guidance for planning authorities on planning for wind energy projects by ensuring consistency of approach in the identification of suitable locations for wind energy developments and the treatment of planning applications throughout the country for such developments and assisting developers and the wider public in considering wind energy development. The current guidelines have been in place since 2006.

In December 2013 the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government began a review of the existing guidelines. The review of the guidelines is set against the backdrop of the need to tackle global warming, reduce Ireland's reliance on fossil fuels and meet Ireland’s legally binding EU and international obligations, including in regard to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and the generation of renewable energy, as well as real and legitimate concerns about the impact of essential energy infrastructure on local communities. The review focuses on the specific issues of noise, proximity and shadow flicker. All other sections of the existing guidelines are to remain in place. Submissions were received from around 7,500 organisations and members of the public during the public consultation period.

This is a very technical area and the engagement between the two Departments is ongoing.

Technical studies have been obtained on various aspects of the issues involved, particularly noise, including separation distance, and detailed assessments of various options have been undertaken by the two Departments. Revisions to the guidelines following the conclusion of deliberations will be introduced by issuing the revised guidelines to planning authorities under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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When are the guidelines likely to be issued? On wind energy, what is happening is that the technology has improved dramatically in terms of the height of wind turbines. In the case of current planning applications, wind turbines are approximately twice the size of those dating back to 2004 and 2005. There is considerable concern across the country and in any community I have been in about the impact of wind turbines on houses and the value of property, in addition to quality of life issues such as flicker and noise. The community in Rockchapel in north Cork is concerned about interference with the television transmission service. Something must be done as a matter of urgency. It causes frustration that while the discussions are ongoing with the Department, wind energy projects developers are applying for planning permission under the old guidelines in anticipation of a major change in the new guidelines and these projects will be developed when the new guidelines are in place. There is real urgency. Will the Minister indicate when the directives will be issued to planning authorities?

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Work and analysis are ongoing in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in conjunction with my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on the review of wind energy guidelines. No firm decisions have yet been taken, but it is hoped to finalise the review in the very near future. I understand the concerns the Deputy has raised about the perceived impact in terms of noise, shadow flicker and property prices. We must take carefully into account issues of concern raised by citizens and local communities. We must also examine the issue in the context of energy policy. We have an energy policy in place and adopted a national commitment, but there are also legally binding international requirements to migrate to renewable production of energy. Onshore wind generation has been the most cost effective means by which we can migrate to renewable energy production. That is also another aspect of the issue that we must take on board.

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Does "the very near future" mean days, weeks, months or years?

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I do not wish to mislead the Deputy or anybody in the House, nor would I, in suggesting it is days or weeks, but the matter is being actively considered by the two Departments with a view to publication of the guidelines by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. That will give the Deputy an understanding of the issue.