Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
729. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if regulations are in place regarding the construction of onshore windfarms here that are financed by foreign companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16378/13]
View answerThe construction of onshore wind farms in Ireland is subject to the Planning and Development Acts, including the requirements for public consultation irrespective of the source of funding for their construction. Best practice Wind Energy Guidelines were also published in 2006. Currently, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government – in conjunction with my Department and other stakeholders – is undertaking a targeted review of certain aspects of the 2006 guidelines. This review will examine the manner in which the guidelines address key issues of community concern such as noise (including separation distance) and shadow flicker, in order to ensure that Ireland continues to meet its renewable energy targets and at the same time ensure that wind energy does not have negative impacts on local communities.
In addition to planning permission, in order to connect to the electricity grid in Ireland, wind farm developers require a grid connection. The grid connection process is vested in the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). CER issued its Gate 3 direction in December 2008 (CER 08/260 available at www.cer.ie). This sets out the list of renewable generators entitled to a grid connection offer under the Gate 3 process. The Department monitors the number of windfarms connected to the grid and contracted to connect to the grid (i.e. that have accepted their grid connection offers). This data is publicly available on the EirGrid and ESB Networks websites (www.eirgrid.com and www.esb.ie).
