Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

394. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the review of the planning guidelines for wind farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42049/13]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

397. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the form public consultation will take during the review into planning guidelines for wind turbines, currently underway; the way he will ensure that it will involve all interested parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42096/13]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 394 and 397 together.

My Department is currently undertaking a targeted review of the Wind Energy Guidelines 2006 focusing on noise, proximity and shadow flicker. As part of this process the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has commissioned a study to examine the significance of noise related to onshore wind farms.

The indicative timetable for the publication of the draft guidelines is Quarter 4 2013. The draft guidelines will – like all other new or revised guidelines – go out for extensive public consultation for a period of 6 weeks to 2 months, to allow for publication of the final guidelines in 2014. The public will be notified about the consultation period through media notices and a copy of the draft guidelines will be made available on my Department’s website. All interested parties are welcome to make written submissions during this consultation period. Once the consultation period is closed, the submissions received on the draft guidelines will be considered and taken into account in the final form of the guidelines.