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Wind Energy Guidelines

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2013

Tuesday, 8 October 2013

Questions (408)

Willie Penrose

Question:

408. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, in the context of the current review of the wind energy guidelines 2006, the review will incorporate the EPA guidance note for noise 2012 which addresses tonal or impulsive noise from wind turbines and if regard will be taken of the practices pertaining to noise which apply in Denmark, Germany and south Australia; if he will indicate when these draft guidelines will be published for consultation with the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42338/13]

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Written answers

My Department – in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and other stakeholders – is currently undertaking a targeted review of the onshore Wind Energy Guidelines 2006 focusing on noise, proximity and shadow flicker.

Earlier this year, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources commissioned the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to invite proposals from suitably qualified organisations for the completion of a study to examine the significance of noise related to onshore wind farms. The objective of the study is to obtain evidence upon which to evaluate the appropriateness of the existing guidelines in relation to noise impacts and , if considered necessary, suggest changes. It will take account of the following key contextual issues:

- The evolution of wind turbine technologies since the current Guidelines were published in 2006;

- Experience to date in the application of the current Guidelines;

- Research relating to wind turbine noise issues, including an examination of international practice, since the current Guidelines were adopted;

- Ireland's binding targets in relation to renewable energy update and penetration.

SEAI awarded the contract for carrying out the study to Marshall Day Acoustics in July 2013. Marshall Day have significant international experience in this field and have previously participated in reviews of the wind farm noise guidelines for the Australian and New Zealand Governments. This study will form a key input into the review of the statutory guidelines.

My understanding is that this study will take into consideration practices pertaining in Denmark, Germany and Australia. I also understand that the EPA's Noise Guidance Note (NG4 -2012) will also be referenced in the study.

The indicative timetable for the publication of the draft statutory guidelines is Quarter 4 2013. The draft guidelines will – like all other new or revised guidelines – go out for extensive public consultation for a period of 6 weeks to 2 months, to allow for publication of the final guidelines in 2014. Once the consultation period is closed, the submissions received on the draft guidelines will be considered and taken into account in the final form of the guidelines.

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