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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Wind energy guidelines

Summary

Anthony Lawlor seeks publication of long-awaited wind energy guidelines and asks about renewable-energy tariffs and policy coordination. The Minister says the guidelines are the Environment Minister’s responsibility but acknowledges the tension between community concerns and renewable-energy targets.

In 2013, 7,500 people put pen to paper and made submissions to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government about wind energy guidelines. Those guidelines have been moved to the Minister's Department, although I did not realise he would be here today. There are people waiting for the guidelines to be put in place.

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Michael P. Kitt An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

To which legislation is the Deputy referring?

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It is the current energy Bill. Many communities are waiting for those guidelines to be published. It seems there are silos operating in the two Departments and one is not speaking with the other. We must examine the sustainability of renewable energy.

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It is not a Government priority.

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We need an energy mix. When does the Minister expect to publish the guidelines? Will tariffs be increased, particularly for biodigesters and bioenergy other than wind energy in the energy Bill?

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The publication of the wind energy guidelines is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and not the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Nevertheless, I am in consultation with the Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly, in respect of those guidelines. It is no secret that this is a difficult issue because there is a tension between the need for genuine community and citizen engagement on the issue, particularly on the location of wind farms. There is also the matter of compliance with renewable energy targets in the context of the 2020 responsibilities. It is a big issue of concern but I am working with the Minister, Deputy Kelly, on it.

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