Wind turbine regulation legislation
Michael Colreavy asks when his Wind Turbine Regulation Bill will reach Committee Stage and why no moratorium was imposed on industrial-scale applications. The Taoiseach points to forthcoming regulatory work, climate obligations and the need not to interfere with planning decisions.
On behalf of Sinn Féin, I join in the good wishes to the First Minister, Mr. Peter Robinson, following his illness. I hope he will make a full recovery.
In April 2014 we brought forward the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2014 which was accepted on Second Stage. When will it be taken on Committee Stage? Why was there not a moratorium placed on planning applications for industrial scale wind turbine developments pending the enactment of the Bill-----
Comment on this
-----or publication of new planning regulations for wind turbine developments being prepared by the Minister or the Department?
Comment on this
It was a Private Members' Bill. Clearly, the Minister is considering some changes to the regulations governing wind turbines. We have a duty as a country to meet climate change targets. They involve the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, as well as other Departments. I cannot speak about the planning process because, as the Deputy is aware, one does not want to interfere in any way with it. The Bill was passed on Second Stage. My understanding is the Minister will make his views known on the regulations governing wind turbines in the not too distant future. As the Deputy is aware, there are issues that cover a number of Departments.