Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2019
745. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the need to bring forward new guidelines on wind farms will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6367/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra749. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the new guidelines governing wind turbines will be published in view of the fact that the current wind energy guidelines were issued in 2006; the reason for the delay in publishing the new guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6269/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra750. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on whether it is appropriate for planning to be lodged with local authorities or An Bord Pleanála for large-scale wind farms in cases in which the height of the turbines far exceeds the approved height in the 2006 wind energy guidelines until such time as the new guidelines are published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6270/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 745, 749 and 750 together.
My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects including sound or noise, visual amenity setback distances, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
As part of the overall review, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is being undertaken on the revised Guidelines before they come into effect, 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, otherwise known as 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. My Department appointed SEA experts in December 2017 to assist in this regard. It is expected that a public consultation on the revised draft Guidelines, together with the comprehensive environmental report under the SEA process, will be commenced later in Q1 2019, with the aim of issuing the finalised Guidelines, following detailed analysis and consideration of the submissions and views received during the consultation phase, in mid 2019.
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. In the meantime, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force which, together with the normal statutory requirements of the Planning Acts, which apply to wind energy development projects in the same manner as other proposed developments, provide an adequate framework through which wind energy developments can continue to be considered by planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála.
