John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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555. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will set a new limit on the distance between wind turbines and places of residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36568/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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My Department commenced a public consultation in December 2013 on proposed “draft” revisions to the existing 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines focusing specifically on the issues of noise, setbacks and shadow flicker. These draft revisions propose:

- The setting of a more stringent day and night noise limit of 40 decibels for future wind energy developments,

- A mandatory minimum setback of 500 metres between a wind turbine and the nearest dwelling for amenity considerations, and

- The complete elimination of shadow flicker between wind turbines and neighbouring dwellings.

My Department received submissions from 7,500 organisations and members of the public during the public consultation period. The issue of setback distances was raised in a number of submissions and it is a matter to which I am currently giving urgent consideration.

The proposed draft revisions to the Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2006, when finalised, will be issued by meunder Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities, and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála must have regard to guidelines issued under Section 28 in the performance of their functions under the Planning Acts.