Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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214. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the timeline for the implementation of the wind energy planning guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3840/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.

Guidance on the noise aspect is currently being finalised by the Department in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters. Both Departments are engaging on proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose having regard to, inter alia, the revised 2030 target to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources. My Department and DECC hope to bring these discussions to a close shortly.

It should also be noted that the review and finalisation of the Guidelines has been included as a specific action in the recently published Climate Action Plan (CAP). My Department is engaging with DECC with regard to the specific timelines to be included in the CAP Annex of Actions and is considering the aforementioned discussions on noise in this regard.

When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under 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 generally under the Planning Acts. In the meantime, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.