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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Wind turbine guidelines

Summary

Deputy Stanley criticised the continued construction of very large wind turbines near homes under outdated guidelines and pressed for revised regulations. The Taoiseach said the guidelines were being prepared and finalised.

I wish to raise with the Taoiseach the fact that massive wind turbines are still being built across the country. They are up to 600 ft in height and are being built on sites very close to dwellings. They are being built using outdated 2006 guidelines that were designed to cover small turbines of less than 50 m in height. The way things are going, the Laois and Offaly area will soon become the wind turbine capital of the country. That is not an argument against wind turbines or wind energy.

I have been chasing the issue for ten years with five Minsters and three Governments. Some of my colleagues have also raised the issue. There are still no guidelines or protection for rural dwellers.

I brought forward two Bills on wind turbine regulation. I asked members of the Taoiseach's party to support them in the House. Only last week I received a reply to a parliamentary question that I submitted on the issue, which could have been written eight years ago. It stated: "My Department, in consultation with DECC, is endeavouring-----

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Thank you, Deputy. Time is up. We cannot go into this now.

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-----to finalise and publish the revised Guidelines as quickly as possible." The problem is that the Government is closing the barn door when the horse has bolted.

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Deputy, please. The time is up.

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I am almost finished. We need proper regulations. We saw what happened with Wild West-style development with housing and we are still dealing with the economic consequences of that. I appeal to the Taoiseach to ensure that wind turbine guidelines and regulations are put in place. When will we see that being delivered?

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I have spoken to the Minister on the matter. I understand that they are being prepared and finalised. The Minister stated that he expects to have them-----

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They have had eight years.

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I know well. That is why I asked the Minister and checked up on where they were. He said they are being finalised.

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