Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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267. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when the review of set-back distance for wind turbines is to be finalised and published, in view of the urgency for such a decision and in view of impending planning applications for new wind farms. [10954/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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My Department is currently conducting a targeted review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines focusing on noise, setback and shadow flicker. Following an extensive public consultation, it is my intention that the revisions to the Guidelines will be finalised as soon as possible, taking into account the large number of submissions received during the public consultation on draft proposals last year. The revisions to the Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2006, when finalised, will be issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. In the interim, the 2006 Guidelines continue to apply to existing planning applications. 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.