Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 426: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will amend the National Spatial Strategy with a view to allow local development plans in each local authority area to provide for strategic zones for development of wind energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10318/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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While the National Spatial Strategy makes a broad reference to the potential for the development of wind energy, the strategic development of wind energy is more fully addressed in Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) which guide the development plans of local authorities within their regions. New RPGs are currently being finalised with a view to their adoption mid-year. As stated in the reply to Question Nos. 195, 196, 197 and 198 of 17 February, my Department's Wind Energy Development Guidelines issued to planning authorities in June 2006, and available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie, provide comprehensive advice to planning authorities on catering for wind energy through the development plan process.