Wind Energy Generation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Questions (672)

Michael Colreavy

Question:

672. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether, as owners of our wind resource, the people are entitled to the best information in relation to same; the measures he will take to ensure developers of wind farms are required by law, under threat of strict penalties, to provide, in planning applications, production estimates from statistical analysis of their wind data to a stated degree of confidence - for example, 90th percentile or P90 - so that the planning authorities might have the best possible economic information available in reaching decisions in relation to community gain contributions, special contributions, section 48/49 contributions and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46169/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

It is a matter for planning authorities to require applicants to provide sufficient data in order to assess planning applications and also to make decisions in relation to development contributions, and special contributions, where appropriate.

Section 182B of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 (as amended) provides that An Bord Pleanála may attach a community benefit condition to an approval for electricity transmission and may also attach a condition in regard to community gain to any approval issuing under the strategic consent process if considered appropriate.