Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 September 2012
109. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will instruct the National Parks and Wildlife Service to engage with the wind energy industry in County Kerry regarding future wind development policy; if this engagement will begin immediately, prior to the finalisation of Kerry County Council's renewable energy strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41107/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions relating to the location of wind energy development at county level are a matter for the relevant planning authorities and are subject to planning law. The Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, incorporates provisions to ensure that development plans and developments are undertaken in compliance with relevant EU Law, including the Habitats Directive.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service, which is part of my Department, provides advice to planning authorities on proposed plans and planning permission applications, where such plans or proposed developments could impact on sites designated for nature protection under EU and national law, or on protected wildlife outside such sites.
My officials meet regularly with the Irish Wind Energy Association to discuss issues of mutual concern and are also available for pre-application discussions with the proponents of individual projects. They also make themselves available to planning authorities to advise and assist them in meeting the demands of the Birds and Habitats Directives in the development of their plans and policies.
