Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 326: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines in respect of wind energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20114/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Following extensive public consultation on draft guidelines, I intend shortly to publish revised Planning Guidelines for Wind Energy Development, which will assist planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála in determining the siting of future wind farm developments. The Guidelines will assist planning authorities to identify areas where there is significant wind energy potential and to map these in the development plan so as to provide clarity for the public, developers and the planning authority. The Guidelines will encourage planning authorities to favour the grant of planning permission in those areas, subject to compliance with siting and design criteria.

The Guidelines also provide advice on issues to consider during the planning application process and cover other environmental aspects, such as impacts on the built and natural heritage.

The new Guidelines will substantially improve on the existing ones issued in 1996. I expect them to play a major role in fulfilling the potential of wind power, and consequently to make a significant contribution to the achievement of our Kyoto targets.