Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators Whelan and Kelly for raising this important issue. I am taking this matter on behalf of the delegated Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan.

My Department's wind energy development guidelines were published in June 2006 and provide advice to planning authorities on catering for wind energy through the development plan and development management processes. The guidelines are also intended to ensure a consistency of approach throughout the country in the identification of suitable locations for wind energy development and the treatment of planning applications for such developments.

My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and other stakeholders, is undertaking a targeted review of the 2006 guidelines, focusing on noise, proximity and shadow flicker. A press notice was issued in January inviting submissions on this targeted review. More than 550 submissions were received from individual members of the public and various stakeholders in response to the notice. In anyone's language, this is a strong response to the first stage of a process that will provide further and more extensive opportunities for the public to shape the review.

Earlier this year, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, commissioned the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, to invite proposals from suitably qualified organisations for the completion of a study to examine the significance of noise related to onshore wind farms. The objective of the study is to obtain evidence upon which to evaluate the appropriateness of the existing guidelines in respect of noise impacts and, if considered necessary, suggest changes. It will take account of the following key contextual issues: the evolution of wind turbine technologies since the current guidelines were published; experience to date in their application; research relating to wind turbine noise issues, including an examination of international practice, since the guidelines were adopted; and Ireland's binding targets in terms of renewable energy uptake and penetration.

The SEAI awarded the contract for carrying out the study to Marshall Day Acoustics in July 2013. Marshall Day Acoustics has significant international experience in this field and has previously participated in reviews of the wind farm noise guidelines for the Australian and New Zealand Governments. This study will form a key input into the review of the statutory guidelines. It is expected to be completed shortly to allow preparation and publication of revised statutory guidelines in draft form.

The indicative timetable for the publication of the draft guidelines is the fourth quarter of this year. The draft guidelines will, like all other new or revised guidelines, go out for extensive public consultation for a period of six weeks to two months to allow for publication of the final guidelines in 2014. Once the consultation period is closed, the submissions received on the draft guidelines will be considered and taken into account in the final form of the guidelines.

I am conscious of the concern that exists in some communities regarding the development of wind energy while recognising the importance of renewable, clean energy for the future of our environment and economy. I assure the Senators that the final wind energy development guidelines, when published, will take cognisance of all views.