Wind farm planning guidelines
Deputy Nolan demanded publication of updated wind farm guidelines, citing objections to a proposed Lemanaghan project and lack of protections for rural communities. The Taoiseach said the Minister had committed to producing the updated guidelines and he would revert to her.
I raise the ongoing issue regarding the publication of new wind farm guidelines. When can we expect these guidelines to be published? There are many issues and people in rural communities have no protection from wind energy companies coming in and constructing monstrous turbines against their wishes. In respect of an application for wind turbines in Lemanaghan, County Offaly, there have been 2,300 objections, including one from me. The site is important for its heritage, history and archaeology. There are no protections because we have no guidelines. These guidelines are long overdue. I ask the Taoiseach to give a specific timeframe. This matter is of concern to many Deputies across all parties. I call on the Government to publish the guidelines urgently.
Comment on this
They are draft guidelines but we need updated ones.