Coillte Teoranta

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017

Tuesday, 14 February 2017

Ceisteanna (584)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

584. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of wind turbines that have been erected, received planning permission but have yet to be erected in the planning process or are in the pre planning process since 2007 in hen harrier SPA designated areas, which were designated in late 2007/2008, by year; the number of the erected wind turbines, planning permission approved wind turbines or those still either in the planning or preplanning process that have been awarded or proposed for Coillte State owned lands as opposed to private owned lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7192/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Local authorities are responsible for planning so I am not in a position to advise on the first part of the Deputy’s question.

Coillte CGA was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as planning applications and the erection of wind turbines, are the responsibility of the company.

The company has, however, advised that the company has had an active role in the construction and/or the planning application process in relation to 10 wind farm projects involving a total of 211 turbines, of which 118 have been constructed, 59 are under construction with the balance (34) at planning stages.  Coillte also advise that there are circa. 79 third party projects on Coillte property that the company has facilitated with varying levels of involvement - from a right of way/wayleave agreement to the lease and sale of land for the construction of wind turbines.