Written answers

Tuesday, 9 February 2010

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Alternative Energy Projects

9:00 pm

Photo of Willie PenroseWillie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 610: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the erection of wind turbines, the restrictions and or the prohibitions on such turbines being erected in built up or residential areas; if he will indicate if there are any height restrictions in place in relation to the erection of such wind turbines and their proximity to dwelling houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6857/10]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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There is currently 1260 MW+ of wind power generating plant connected to the national grid. These projects have already secured planning permission and connection offers. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) Decision on the 'Gate 3' process provides for a further connection offers for 3900 MWs of additional renewable electricity capacity (mainly wind power). Connection offers for Gate 3 began to issue in December 2009 and will continue until mid 2011.

Matters relating to planning permission for wind turbines are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I can however, inform the Deputy that in February 2007 exemptions from the requirement to apply for planning permission were introduced for small wind turbines under Statutory Instrument S.I. No. 83 of 2007 "Planning and Development Regulations 2007"). A number of restrictions applied to these exemptions which are set out below.

The Statutory Instrument amends Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001(S.I. 600 of 2001) by the substitution of the following for Class 2:

(b) The construction, erection or placing within the curtilage of a house of a wind turbine.

1. The turbine shall not be erected on or attached to the house or any building or other structure within its curtilage.

2. The total height of the turbine shall not exceed 13 metres.

3. The rotor diameter shall not exceed 6 metres.

4. The supporting tower shall be a distance of not less than the total structure height (including the blade of the turbine at the highest point of its arc) plus one metre from any party boundary.

5. No more than one turbine shall be erected within the curtilage of a house.

6. No such structure shall be constructed, erected or placed forward of the front wall of a house.

The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government published a Consultation paper on additional proposed planning exemptions for micro-renewable energy technologies for industrial, commercial, public and agricultural buildings in October 2007. Following consultation, Statutory Instrument 235 of 2008 ("Planning and Development Regulations 2008") introduced further exemptions for certain classes of renewable energy and CHP installations. These further exemptions for wind generators and related restrictions are as follows: CLASS 56

(c) The construction, erection or placing within the curtilage of an industrial building or light industrial building, or business premises of a wind turbine.

1. The turbine shall not be erected on or attached to the premises or building or any other structure within the curtilage of the building or premises.

2. The total height of the turbine shall not exceed 20 metres.

3. The rotor diameter shall not exceed 8 metres.

4. The supporting tower shall be a distance of not less than the total structure height. (including the blade of the turbine at the highest point of its arc) plus:

(a) 5 metres from any party boundary,

(b) 5 metres from any non-electrical overhead cables,

(c) 20 metres from any 38kV electricity distribution line,

(d) 30 metres from the centre-line of any electricity transmission line of 110kV or more.

5. The turbine shall not be located within 5 kilometres of the nearest airport or aerodrome, or any communication, navigation and surveillance facilities designated by the Irish Aviation Authority, save with the consent in writing of the Authority and compliance with any condition relating to the provision of aviation obstacle warning lighting.

6. Not more than one turbine shall be erected within the curtilage of the premises or building.

7. The turbine shall not be located within an Architectural Conservation Area.

CLASS 18

(b) The construction, erection or placing within an agricultural holding of a wind turbine.

1. The turbine shall not be erected on or attached to a building or other structure.

2. The total height of the turbine shall not exceed 20 metres.

3. The rotor diameter shall not exceed 8 metres.

4. The supporting tower shall be a distance of not less than:

(a) one and a half times the total structure height (including the blade of the turbine at the highest point of its arc) plus 1 metre from any party boundary.

(b) The total structure height (including the blade of the turbine at the highest point of its arc) plus:

(i) 5 metres from any non-electrical overhead cables,

(ii) 20 metres from any 38kV electricity distribution line,

(iii) 30 metres from the centre-line of any electricity transmission line of 110kV or more.

5. The turbine shall not be located within:

(a) 100 metres of an existing wind turbine.

(b) 5 kilometres of the nearest airport or aerodrome, or any communication, navigation and surveillance facilities designated by the Irish Aviation Authority, save with the consent in writing of the Authority and compliance with any condition relating to the provision of aviation obstacle warning lighting.

6. Not more than one turbine shall be erected within the agricultural holding.

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