Wind Energy Guidelines

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 December 2015

Thursday, 10 December 2015

Questions (27)

Brian Stanley

Question:

27. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to place a moratorium on wind farms until effective regulations are put in place. [44055/15]

Written answers

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

Proposals for wind energy developments are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the same manner as other proposed developments. Planning applications are made to the relevant local planning authority with a right of appeal to An Bord Pleanála. In the case of wind development proposals which meet the statutory threshold criteria for classification as Strategic Infrastructure Developments under the Planning and Development Acts, such applications must be submitted directly to An Bord Pleanála. Planning authorities, including An Bord Pleanála, are required to have regard to guidelines issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the performance of their functions under the Act, including my Department’s Wind Energy Development Guidelines, which were published in June 2006. Ultimately, planning authorities will make their own decisions based on the specific merits or otherwise of individual planning applications.

As the Deputy will be aware, 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 and issued as soon as possible.

In the interim, the 2006 Guidelines will continue to apply to existing planning applications which are with either the local planning authorities or with An Bord Pleanála for determination.

It is not intended to place a moratorium on applications for planning permission for wind farm developments as proposed. Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, the Minister is specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular planning case with which a planning authority, or An Bord Pleanála, is or may be concerned.