Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether major infrastructural projects such as wind turbines should be included in regional development plans and amended national spatial strategy to fast-track their construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36591/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Land-based wind energy development is governed by the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The planning authority, or An Bord Pleanála on appeal, in making a decision on an application must consider, inter alia, the development plan and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area involved, including the preservation and improvement of amenities. They must also, where relevant, consider the policy, including the energy policy, of the Government or of any Minister of the Government. An Bord Pleanála accords priority to major infrastructure projects, including large-scale wind energy development.

Existing guidelines for planning authorities on wind energy development 1996 are being revised by my Department. I intend to publish final revised guidelines to planning authorities on wind energy development shortly, following an extensive consultation on draft revised guidelines published in August 2004.

The new guidelines will seek 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 wind energy developments. The guidelines will also include a step by step guide to the evaluation of suitable areas for wind energy developments. In addition, visual and landscape aspects of wind farm developments are addressed, including the provision of photomontages of wind farms in various types of landscapes.

The making of regional planning guidelines is a matter for the relevant regional authority in consultation with the planning authorities within its region. Regional planning guidelines were adopted in all regions by May 2004 and best practice guidance on their implementation was subsequently issued to all regional and local authorities. In accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the matters which such guidelines must address for the whole of the region to which they relate include transportation, water services, waste disposal, energy and communications networks.

The national spatial strategy addresses at a broad strategic level the issue of the economic and social infrastructure necessary to support the objective of more spatially balanced development. Work is progressing on the planning and development (strategic infrastructure) Bill which will provide for a streamlined development consent procedure for relevant strategic infrastructure projects that are currently subject to the normal planning consent procedure. I intend to publish the Bill in early 2006.