Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government of May 2016 provides:

The new Government understands the divisions and distress caused in local communities who feel that new energy infrastructure, like wind farms and pylons are imposed on them. The technology and scale of wind farms has evolved significantly since the last set of planning guidelines were introduced in 2006. As a matter of urgency the new Government will update the wind farm planning guidelines, within 3 to 6 months, to offer a better balance between the concerns of local communities and the need to invest in indigenous energy projects. These ... planning guidelines will be informed by ... public consultation process and best international practice.

On 11 December 2016, a number of families in County Cork won an action against a company called Enercon, which had imposed wind farms near their homes and caused these families to move due to noise.The families have won the case and they are only returning to the High Court in early 2017 for damages to be agreed. It is quite clear, therefore, that this State stands to be held responsible for all the families across the country affected either by noise or light flicker from wind farms, and that it is facing a massive case because of its unwillingness to act and bring forward planning guidelines that would properly protect citizens living near wind farms. I ask that the Minister with responsibility, Deputy Naughten, outline in the House his plan to introduce new guidelines. I have always said wind farms need to be at least 1.5 km away from any residents. I ask the Leader to request the Minister to come in early in the new year.