Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
260. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the nuisance of shadow flicker from wind turbines which it was stated in 2019 would be eliminated, and whether the new guidelines will be robust enough to ensure this is the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3537/24]
View answer261. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if national authorities such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the HSE, public health and environmental health services are involved with the review of the WEDGs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3538/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 261 together.
My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines which is addressing a number of key aspects of the Guidelines including shadow flicker, noise, setback distance, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
With regard to shadow flicker, my Department intends to ensure that the possibility of shadow flicker occurring at residences in the vicinity of a wind energy development is minimised and that the Guidelines are robust, up-to-date and fit for purpose in this regard.
As part of the review process, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is being carried out on the draft Guidelines. My Department intends to undertake a public consultation in the coming months whereby individuals and organisations - including the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the HSE and public health and environmental health services - will have an opportunity to submit observations on the draft Guidelines.
With regard to the finalisation of the review process, the Climate Action Plan 2024 sets out a timeline of Q4 2024 for publication of the final, updated Guidelines and my Department is working towards meeting this commitment. 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.
