Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Neither I nor my Department was represented at the conference to which the Senator referred. I did not receive an invitation to the event. I examined the organisers' publicity materials after receiving notice of this matter and I now understand that the objective of the conference was to discuss problems and solutions associated with wind turbine noise. The House will be aware that the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, in conjunction with my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, is currently reviewing the 2006 wind energy guidelines. These revisions will be finalised as soon as possible and will be brought forward by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. Wind farm developments are subject to the Planning Acts, including their requirements for public consultation. Consequently, a proposal to build a wind farm is a matter for the developer and the relevant planning authority.

It is also important to note that the 2009 EU renewable energy directive gave Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. In order to meet this target, Ireland is committed to producing 40% of electricity from renewable sources. The 2030 EU climate and energy framework will require significant further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and increases in renewable energy production. My Department is working with other Departments to develop a technically feasible, cost effective and fair contribution to the overall EU ambition. I intend at an early opportunity to publish a draft renewable electricity policy and development framework to facilitate opportunities for renewable electricity generation. My officials are also well advanced in the drafting of an energy White Paper for publication in September. The challenge of tackling global warming will be at the heart of our energy policy for the next generation, along with the issues of affordability and security of supply.

Concerns about energy infrastructure development were raised during the extensive consultation that has informed the drafting of the White Paper. While the debate must always be properly informed, the Government, local authorities and industry have a responsibility to develop better ways of involving and listening to the communities affected by infrastructure development. With this in mind, ongoing citizen engagement will also be a central component of the White Paper.

As the Senator will appreciate, while my Department and SEAI have an input into planning guidelines they are in the first instance a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.