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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Wind energy guidelines

Summary

Deputy Crowe sought immediate publication of updated wind energy guidelines, including a 500-metre setback from homes and interim planning guidance. The Taoiseach said he would engage with the Minister to ускорate publication and local authority engagement.

Wind energy is an important renewable, but the guidelines governing wind energy and wind turbines are 15 years old. They are out of date and antiquated and do not reflect where the industry is at the moment. New guidelines are almost in place. They have been on ice since December 2019, but they will be issued to local authorities shortly. Crucially for residents, the new guidelines provide for a setback of 500 m from homes. It is important that we get them out immediately. In the interim, I ask that the Government issue guidance to all planning authorities that there be a moratorium on new applications that exploit the old system until the new guidelines are in place in a matter of weeks. A flurry of applications are being received. One in my community was before the High Court yesterday. Its turbines will stand 100 m tall, which is taller than Big Ben, and cast a shadow over local houses. We need to get the guidelines in place, but we also need a circular to issue to planning authorities in the interim.

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I agree with the Deputy that the guidance should issue. I know that the Minister is close to finalisation of the guidance. It has been going on for quite some time, even longer than 2019, in respect of new guidelines for wind turbines and for renewable energy more generally. I will engage with the Minister to accelerate the publication of those guidelines and interaction with the local authorities in respect of those guidelines.

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