Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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205. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has specific guidelines for local authorities as to the distance that wind turbine developments must be from schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7322/15]

Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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The 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines provide guidance to planning authorities, which they must have regard to when considering planning applications for proposed wind energy developments.

While the guidelines do not specifically refer to schools, they suggest that a minimum 500 metre setback distance between the nearest turbine and any noise sensitive property should be applied, which would include schools. It is a matter for the relevant planning authority to determine the appropriate setback distance, when considering individual planning applications for wind energy developments.

My Department is currently conducting a targeted review of the 2006 Guidelines focusing on noise, setback and shadow flicker. Following an extensive public consultation, it is intended that revisions to the Wind Energy Development Guidelines will be finalised as soon as possible.