The statutory arrangements related to the preparation and adoption by the three Regional Assemblies of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, which must be consistent with the National Planning Framework and must have regard to any relevant guidelines issued under section 28 of the Act, are set out in sections 21 to 25 (inclusive) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The process of revising the National Planning Framework (2018) is currently underway, and the revision process will include consideration of changes in climate policy since 2018.
The Renewable Energy Directive (RED) III was adopted by Council on 9 October 2023, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on October 31, and entered into force 20 days after that date. Some provisions in RED III have a transposition date of 1 July 2024, with other provisions having a transposition date of 18 months after entry into force of the Directive. My Department is currently reviewing the permitting measures included in the Directive that will require transposition into Irish planning law with a view to completing that transposition by the applicable deadlines set out in the Directive. The need for any associated guidance will also be considered in conjunction with the transposition of the legislation.
With regard to guidelines on renewable energy development, my Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (D/ECC) which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters. Both Departments are engaging on proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose having regard to, inter alia, the revised 2030 target to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources. My Department, in conjunction with D/ECC, will make any further changes to the draft Guidelines which are deemed necessary or appropriate to ensure they support the existing and emerging policy and legislative framework, both at national and EU level. When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, or subject to enactment of the Planning and Development Bill 2023, as a National Planning Statement, as appropriate. In the meantime, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.
The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has policy responsibility for and oversight of the electricity system, including the operators of the system.
