Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 989: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria required for a person to apply for a wind farm on their own lands; if common criteria exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15047/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The criteria for applying for a wind farm on a person's own lands are the same as those applying generally to the making of planning applications, as primarily set out in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. The main requirements of a valid application include a statement of the applicant's legal interest in the land, evidence of public notification of the application, and the submission of supporting documentation, maps and plans. A planning authority is required to invalidate any application that does not conform to the basic requirements.

In making a planning application, a person should have regard to the provisions of the relevant development plan. The guidelines for planning authorities on wind energy development, which I will publish in final form shortly, should also be of assistance to applicants for permission for wind farms in preparing successful applications.