Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1310: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department's policy in relation to wind energy development and in particular to the range of factors that planning authorities and An Bord Pleanala must consider when dealing with planning applications for wind energy developments, on the respective importance to be accorded to local authority zonings or designations as to the unsuitability of particular areas for wind farming as against national or Departmental policy emphasising the need for the country to develop its wind energy resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36076/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Wind Energy Development Guidelines, which were published by my Department on 29 June 2006, provide advice to planning authorities on catering for wind energy through the development plan process. The guidelines are also intended 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. Essentially, the guidelines assist planning authorities to identify areas where there is significant wind energy potential. These areas are then to be mapped in the development plan to provide clarity for the public, developers and the planning authority. The guidelines require planning authorities to be favourably disposed to granting planning permission in those areas, subject to the siting and design criteria contained in the guidelines. The guidelines identify 6 main topographical landscapes for the siting of wind turbines and contain extensive illustrations to demonstrate practical examples of what is, and is not, considered acceptable. Under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála are required to have regard to any planning guidelines issued to planning authorities in the performance of their functions.