Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 243 of 5 April 2011, if he will clarify the situation regarding the regulations as they apply to vertical axis blades on wind turbines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12186/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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My colleague, the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government has responsibility for the planning function. Further information on the specifics contained in the planning regulations as they apply to particular queries should be obtained from that Department.

The Department of Environment introduced two statutory instruments, S.I. 83 of 2007 and S.I. 235 of 2008, relating to planning exemptions for small scale renewable technologies that meet specified criteria.

In the case of commercial wind farm developments, the Department of Environment has published Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Wind Energy Development, which offer advice to planning authorities on planning for wind energy through the development plan process and in determining applications for planning permission. The latest version of these guidelines is published on the Department of Environment website.

Large windfarm developments, those over 25 turbines or 50MW in capacity, are required to apply for planning permission under the Strategic Infrastructure Development Act.