Written answers

Wednesday, 4 December 2013

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Wind Energy Generation

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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10. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is considering enhancing the role of community owned wind farm projects in the State; the assistance the State can provide to try to encourage buy-in by local communities to help develop overall wind capacity in the State through a consent-based approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51627/13]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The transition to a sustainable, low carbon, energy system is central to Government energy policy. Implementation of this policy, as well as delivering substantial environmental benefits, is securing significant economic benefits for the State and our citizens. For example, the wind energy sector employs around 3,400 people in Ireland. In addition, the SEAI estimates that €255 million in gas imports was avoided by wind energy in 2012 alone. Wind energy accounts for the largest proportion of our renewable energy resource. The development of wind energy projects must take account of the concerns of local communities in relation to the potential impacts of such projects in their areas. A range of measures are being taken in this regard. The Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, in conjunction with my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), is undertaking a targeted review of the Wind Energy Planning Guidelines to address key issues such as noise (including separation distance) and shadow flicker. I understand draft revised guidelines will be issued for public consultation in the next week or so, with a view to revised guidelines being in place from mid-2014. I have clearly stated my view that renewable energy developers must ensure that they undertake effective and timely communication from the initiation of projects right through to commissioning and operation. It is essential that local communities are engaged and consulted on an on-going basis.

Such an approach is of course also necessary in the development of community wind farms. I agree with the Deputy that there is real potential for wind farms to be developed and owned by local communities which would make an important contribution to improving public acceptance of the technology, and to ensuring benefits are delivered directly to the community in which a wind generation facility is located.

SEAI has taken a number of initiatives aimed at fostering social acceptance of wind energy and the development of community wind farms. The report commissioned by the SEAI "To Catch the Wind: the potential for Community Ownership of Wind Farms in Ireland", provides a template for development of community wind farms. More recently, SEAI has commissioned research which will include guidance on the financial models for the execution of community wind energy projects. This research is nearing completion. All of this work develops the resource available to communities wishing to develop their own wind farms and avail of existing market supports such as the REFIT scheme and the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development, to which community wind farm project developers may apply through the regional Leadership Partnerships.

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