Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

810.To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to confirm the SEA of revised WEDGs has adequately assessed the potential impact on wind turbine noise on human health; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34686/24]

Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

811.To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if the EPA is the body responsible for assessing the impact on human health of new WEDGs; if not, to confirm the competent body that is (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34687/24]

Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

812.To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to confirm the revised WEDGs are at a minimum consistent with WHO standards for the protection of human health; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34688/24]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 810 to 812, inclusive, together.

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.

As part of the review of the Guidelines, my Department has been working in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), which has primary responsibility for environmental noise, in advancing the noise aspects of the Guidelines. In this connection, in the context of its environmental noise remit, DECC has appointed expert noise consultants to review and advance the noise chapter of the guidelines. As part of their work, the noise consultants have assessed the impact of human health from turbine noise having regard to international best practice and standards, including the European Noise Guidelines 2018 issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

As part of the review process, and in line with EU Directive requirements, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is being carried out on the draft Guidelines. The SEA assesses the likely significant effects on the environment, including on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage (including architectural and archaeological heritage), landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors. As part of the SEA process, my Department intends to undertake a public consultation on updated draft Guidelines whereby all interested parties will have an opportunity to submit observations on the draft Guidelines

In accordance with the European Communities (Environmental Noise) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the designated national authority for the general supervision of the functions and actions of noise-mapping bodies and, where necessary, provides guidance and advice to such bodies and authorities, in this regard.