Written answers

Tuesday, 11 June 2013

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Wind Energy Guidelines

Photo of Richard Boyd BarrettRichard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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508. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will set out in detail the process through which a company such as Saorgas would establish an offshore wind farm as is currently proposed for the Kish Bank, including all the licencing, leasing, environmental requirements and also detailing the different areas of responsibility covered by his Department and other Government Departments. [26649/13]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The development and operation of wind farms in Ireland require planning permission from the relevant planning authority and, in the case of offshore wind farms, a foreshore lease from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. They also require an Authorisation to Construct or Reconstruct a Generating Station and a Licence to Generate from the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). In addition, a grid connection from EirGrid or ESB Networks is required to become operational.

The issue of planning and foreshore leasing are in the first instance matters between the developer of the wind farm and the planning authority subject to the Planning and Foreshore Acts, including the requirements for public consultation as specified in the legislation. In addition, best practice Wind Energy Guidelines were published in 2006. Currently, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government - in conjunction with my Department and other stakeholders - is undertaking a targeted review of certain aspects of the 2006 guidelines. This review will examine the manner in which the guidelines address key issues of community concern to ensure that wind energy does not have negative impacts on local communities. In addition, the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure, published by my Department, emphasises the importance of public and local community acceptance, adherence to national and international standards in designing and constructing energy networks and infrastructure, early consultation and engagement with local communities, and building community gain considerations into energy infrastructure planning and budgeting.

Applications for Authorisations to Construct or Reconstruct a Generating Station and for Licences to Generate are assessed by the CER ahead of granting or refusing the application. The conditions imposed in the Authorisation and in the Licence must be met by the generator and compliance is monitored by the CER on an on-going basis. In relation to grid connections, EirGrid and ESB Networks assess applications and make connection offers in line with the appropriate development and rollout of grid infrastructure.

I am advised that the company mentioned by the Deputy is proposing to build an offshore wind farm on the Kish and Bray Banks and is currently seeking views from the public on its proposals. For the information of the Deputy I understand that the project website () contains links to relevant documentation including Environmental Impact Statements and related documents. I also understand that printed copies of the project documentation are currently available for viewing by the public at numerous public libraries including in Howth, Dun Laoghaire, and Dalkey, as well as in the Garda Stations in Bray and Greystones.

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