Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2017
586. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will review the onshore wind farm policies in terms of minimum distances, in view of the planning applications of large industrial wind farms in south County Wicklow and the large opposition to these developments by local residents and communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29725/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra587. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on the recent court case whereby homeowners were compensated for wind farm noise; if he will consider amending the wind farm guidelines in view of the judgment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29735/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 586 and 587 together.
My predecessor as Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, in conjunction with my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment recently announced a "preferred draft approach" to the review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. A copy of the announcement is available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/planning/guidelines/wind-energy/coveney-and-naughten-announce-key-development-review-wind-energy-development-guidelines.
The “preferred draft approach” has been developed to address a number of key aspects of the targeted review which include: Sound/Noise, Visual Amenity and Setback Distances, Shadow Flicker, Consultation Obligations on Developers, Community Dividend and Grid Connections.
As part of the overall review, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) will be undertaken on the "proposed draft approach" to the revised Guidelines before they come into effect. This is in accordance with the requirements of EU Directive 2001/24/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, the SEA Directive. SEA is a process by which environmental considerations are required to be fully integrated into the preparation of plans and programmes which act as frameworks for development consent, prior to their final adoption, with public consultation as part of that process.
It is envisaged that the SEA process will take approximately 9 months. In light of the SEA requirements, it is expected that the Guidelines will be finalised and come into effect in Q1 2018. In the meantime, the current Guidelines remain in force.
When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities, and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála must have regard to guidelines issued under Section 28 in the performance of their functions generally under the Planning Acts.
I am aware of a number of newspaper articles reporting a recent court case relating to wind turbine noise. However, as this is a legal matter between the operators of a particular wind farm and a number of households living in close proximity to it, it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment on the matter.
