Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

45. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the date on which guidelines will finally be put in place for the construction of large wind farms. [49020/25]

Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

131. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will outline when the new wind energy development guidelines will be published; and if the inclusion of ISO, or equivalent, standards for community engagement practices will form part of those guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53422/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 131 together.

Placing a pause on all wind energy developments is not being considered at present. The 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force, pending the finalisation of any revised guidance in this regard.

At the local level, the city and county development plans set out where development is acceptable including wind energy development. The making of the local city or county development plan is a reserved function of the local authority members. It is open to members of the public to make an observation or submission on a draft city or county development plan. In addition, the planning consent system provides for public or community engagement in respect of any development which requires planning permission.

My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects of the Guidelines including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.

My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE), has been working to advance guidance on a number of these key aspects, including the noise aspect of the Guidelines, which is highly technical in nature. The two Departments have been engaging on all of these aspects to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose having regard to, amongst other things, the revised 2030 target to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources.

My Department, in conjunction with DCEE, will make any further changes to the draft Guidelines which are deemed necessary or appropriate to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose to provide guidance in line with renewable energy and climate targets, whilst having appropriate regard to the impacts of wind energy development, including in relation to noise annoyance.

The evolving policy and technical context including the new Planning and Development Act 2024, which was signed by the President on 17 October 2024, and the recent revision of the National Planning Framework (NPF) reinforces the need to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose.

I am conscious of the commitment in the Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future, to prioritise the publication of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines, having regard to international best practice and standards. In light of this commitment, my Department is working towards concluding the finalisation of review of the Guidelines as a matter of priority, having regard to the requirement for public consultation and the finalisation of associated reforms and reviews included in the revision of the NPF.