Wind turbine planning guidelines
James Bannon seeks a moratorium on controversial midlands wind developments until new guidelines are issued. The Taoiseach offers contact with the responsible Minister, noting that planning and environmental issues are also involved.
The proposed industrial wind turbine development is a highly controversial issue across the midlands. The Taoiseach may or may not be aware that public meetings are being held in every parish across the midlands on this issue. We are still working under the 2006 guidelines for wind turbines. It is an issue that-----
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Politicians across the board are being called on to have a moratorium on such development until the guidelines are changed. Perhaps new guidelines for wind turbines could be covered under the common arrangements that will apply under the gas or EirGrid legislation. It is an issue that has been promoted by the Government since it took office.
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People want a stay on such developments until new guidelines are drawn up.
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There is no date for the publication of those Bills. The Deputy has raised this issue on a number of occasions. I will have the Minister for Communication, Energy and Natural Resources contact him. This is not all within the Minister's control. There are planning applications, environmental impact studies and all of that. I will have the Minister consult the Deputy.