Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 January 2015
882. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm that the new policy on wind farm turbines (details supplied) will have no impact on the Rockmarshall Mountains in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49487/14]
View answerIt is a matter for planning authorities to ensure that decisions on planning applications are taken having regard to the policies set out in their respective development plans and local area plans. Furthermore, all planning authorities - including An Bord Pleanála - must have regard to the provisions of section 28 guidelines issued by the Minister in exercising their planning functions.
My Department is currently conducting a targeted review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines focusing on the issues of noise, proximity and shadow flicker.
These Guidelines, when finalised, will issue to planning authorities under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities will be required to have regard to such new guidelines in carrying out their statutory functions in deciding on planning applications for wind energy developments.
