Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 November 2014
171. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the legislation and the provisions that ensure wind turbines are not located close to homes or schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44470/14]
View answerSection 5.6 of the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines advises planning authorities that there should be at least a 500 metre distance from the nearest wind turbine to any noise sensitive property. Such properties would include homes and schools.
The 2006 Guidelines - which are currently the subject of a focused review and will be finalised as soon as possible - were issued to planning authorities under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities, and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála must have regard to guidelines issued under Section 28 in the performance of their functions under the Planning Acts.
