Vol. 566 No. 4
147 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if any directive has been given to local authorities in relation to renewable energy, with particular reference to wind farms; and the reason for the low numbers which get through the planning process. [10611/03]
The development of alternative energy sources is a priority, nationally and at European level, for both environmental and energy policy reasons. My Department published Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Wind Farm Development in September 1996. The guidelines, a copy of which is available in the Library, are intended to facilitate implementation of Government policy in the development of renewable sources of energy. They are designed to assist planning authorities in making suitable provision for wind farm development in their development plans and to ensure a consistency of approach throughout the country to the treatment of planning applications for such development.
The guidelines are currently being reviewed in the light of experience since they were issued to ensure that they continue to be relevant and useful. As part of the review, a public consultation process has been undertaken. All comments received will be taken into consideration in the preparation of revised guidelines which I intend to issue later in the year.
The Renewable Energy Information Office estimate that as of February 2003 planning permissions have been granted for 1018 MW capacity and that 25 wind farms with a capacity of 140 MW are operational.
Questions No. 148 answered with Question No. 139.
