Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 531: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if discussions have been held with Coillte on this body's policy towards wind farms, in view of the fact that there are examples where Coillte is unwilling to support such developments for fear its lands may be sterilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34873/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department's Wind Energy Development Guidelines, originally published in 1996, were updated and reissued in 2006. The guidelines provide advice to planning authorities on planning for wind energy through the development plan process. They are also intended to ensure consistency of approach throughout the country in the identification of suitable locations for wind energy developments and the treatment of planning applications for such developments. My Department intends to review implementation of the updated guidelines by planning authorities next year.

In relation to the specific issue raised in the question, no such discussions have been held with Coillte. I have, however, asked my Department to engage with Coillte in the context of the proposed review of the implementation of the guidelines so that any issues of concern in relation to wind energy development are fully explored.