Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018
539. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he is taking to alleviate concerns of local residents regarding a wind farm (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47983/18]
View answerIndividual wind farm developers must comply with the conditions of their planning permission including those relating to community engagement and community benefit schemes. Enforcement of planning control is a matter for the planning authority, which can take action if a development does not have the required permission or where the terms of permission have not been met, and I have no function in the matter. Regarding the specific project mentioned, I would recommend that the Deputy contacts Mayo County Council who are responsible for the administration of the community benefit fund as well as the Community Liaison Officer from the company developing the wind farm. As noted during the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action on 13 November, it is my understanding that the local community have formally written to Mayo County Council to request a meeting regarding the set up and distribution of the community benefit fund.
Since December 2016 wind energy developers have committed to implementing the Code of Practice for Wind Energy Development in Ireland for community engagement which emphasises full and transparent engagement with local communities. This Code of Practice is intended to ensure that wind energy development in Ireland is undertaken in observance with the best industry practices, with the full engagement of communities around the country and is available on my Department’s website at www.dccae.gov.ie for reference.
Increased community participation by wind energy developers is being built into future policy through the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which was agreed by Government in July and the revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines that are being developed by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
