I move:
That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to protect the health of persons who may be affected by noise and shadow flicker from wind turbines; to give further effect to the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters done at Aarhus, Denmark on 25 June 1998; and to provide for related matters.
This Bill redresses significant gaps in the legislation concerning the planning, implementation and operation of wind farms and will increase engagement with communities affected by wind turbines. It goes beyond current guidelines by providing a legal and, therefore, enforceable framework for minimum standards of non-intrusion and protection of people living close to wind turbines. The Bill will significantly enhance the protection of citizens and allow for increased transparency in the planning process. The Bill is vital, as it provides for a further reinforcement of the principles of the Aarhus Convention on public participation in environmental matters and will introduce international standards of health and environmental protection in Ireland.
