Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2015
505. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the criteria used by his Department and local authorities to determine where wind farms and turbines should be situated to maximise productivity. [6958/15]
View answerProposals for the location of individual wind energy developments to maximise productivity are a matter for the relevant developer taking into account several criteria including connectivity to the national grid.
When considering individual planning applications for such developments and the appropriateness of their location, planning authorities, including An Bord Pleanála where relevant, will have regard to local area and county development plans, local authority renewable energy strategies, the Wind Energy Development Guidelines issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and such matters including existing residential development, existing wind energy developments, the local landscape and the natural and built heritage.
Section 3.5 of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines provides a guide to the analysis of suitable areas for wind energy by the planning authority, when preparing their development plans and local authority renewable energy strategies.
My Department is currently conducting a targeted review of the 2006 Guidelines focusing on noise, setback and shadow flicker. Following an extensive public consultation, it is intended that revisions to the Wind Energy Development Guidelines will be finalised as soon as possible.
