1085. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of health-related statements currently published on Wind Energy Ireland’s website (details supplied); if she will confirm whether the quotation accurately reflects her Departments official position and the current scientific and public health evidence base; if her Department has authorised or approved the use of this statement in public communications by Wind Energy Ireland, given that her Department has previously contacted Wind Energy Ireland regarding health messaging; and if she will make a public statement clarifying her Department’s position in order to ensure that the public is not presented with potentially misleading or incomplete health information. [9752/26]

In response to the Deputy’s question regarding health-related statements published on Wind Energy Ireland’s website, I can confirm that I am aware of the statement in question. Specifically, under the heading “Wind Myths 01 Health”, the website states: “The Irish Department of Health says, ‘There is no reliable or consistent evidence that wind farms directly cause adverse health effects in humans’.” It is important to clarify that the quoted statement originates from a response to a parliamentary question in 2015 and does not take account of more recent developments.

As lead government department in this area, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) is currently reviewing the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. This work will inform a new National Planning Statement on Wind Energy under the new Planning and Development Act 2024.

I am advised that the principal potential health impact attributed to wind energy developments is the possible effect from wind turbine noise. The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters. DHLGH is working in conjunction with DCEE, in the context of its environmental noise policy remit, to finalise the guidance on the noise aspect of the review. As part of this work, DCEE, in the context of its environmental noise remit, appointed noise consultants in May 2023 to inform any amendments to the noise aspect of the National Planning Statement. As part of their work, which is now substantially complete, the noise consultants have assessed the impact on human health from turbine noise having regard to international best practice and standards, including the current World Health Organisation (WHO) standards on noise.

The review is addressing a number of key aspects of the Guidelines, including noise, as well as setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections. My Department remains available to engage with DHLGH on the new National Planning Statement on Wind Energy.

In line with EU Directive requirements, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) will be carried out on the draft National Planning Statement as part of the review process. In this regard, I am informed that DHLGH intends to undertake a public consultation on updated draft Guidelines as part of the SEA process whereby all interested parties will have an opportunity to submit observations on the draft National Planning Statement. Finalised National Planning Statements will be prepared following detailed analysis and consideration of the submissions received during the consultation phase.

The Department of Health, through engagement with DHLGH and the HSE, will determine a position following assessment of any new information. This Department will engage through the DHLGH consultation process in regards to this matter.