Skip to main content
Normal View

Wind Energy Guidelines

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Questions (657)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

657. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to provide any guidance in relation to possible public health impacts that may arise from wind turbine developments to assist in the assessment process as highlighted by the recent An Bord Pleanála inspector's report, ref PL05B.240166; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45025/13]

View answer

Written answers

While, as Minister, I am specifically precluded under the Planning and Development Acts, as amended, from involvement in any particular matter with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála may be concerned, I am aware of the comments of the Board Inspector in the report referred to. My Department is currently reviewing the Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2006 and while the primary focus of the review is on noise (including separation distance) and shadow flicker, my Department has recently requested the Department of Health to provide advice on any potential conclusive public health impacts that might arise from the development of wind farms.

I expect to publish draft revised guidelines by the end of November 2013 which – like all other new or revised guidelines – will go out for public consultation for a period of six to eight weeks. Once the consultation period is closed, the submissions received on the draft guidelines will be considered and taken into account in the finalisation of the guidelines for publication in mid-2014.

Top
Share