140. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to confirm that his attention has been drawn to the HSE’s 2017 Position Paper on Wind Turbines and Public Health being withdrawn; to outline when, if at all, his Department engaged with the HSE regarding its withdrawal, particularly in light of his Department’s responsibilities in relation to environmental noise; to set out the guidance that is now being relied upon for public health considerations relating to wind turbine noise; the steps he intends to take next; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14833/26]

The Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment’s responsibilities on environmental noise is limited to those sources that are contained in the EU Environmental Noise Directive. This Directive does not extend to noise generated by wind turbines. As such, wind turbine noise from operational wind farms does not fall under my remit.

I understand that, as part of their ongoing quality assurance processes, the HSE undertook a review of their 2017 HSE Position Paper on Wind Turbines and Public Health. Further to this review, the HSE decided to withdraw the Position Paper in November 2025. My Department was not part of this review.

Wind energy is bolstering Ireland's energy security and helping reduce our exposure to imported fossil fuel. Recently published data from EirGrid shows that onshore wind accounted for 33% of our electricity fuel mix in 2025. This week we are due to reach 8 gigawatts of renewable generation capacity with onshore wind as the largest contributor to this, at over 5 gigawatts.

Guidance regarding wind turbine noise in Ireland is provided for in the planning system. The Wind Energy Development Guidelines sets out the conditions which should be applied to planning permissions to protect nearby noise sensitive locations.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is currently undertaking a review of the existing guidelines. This review will address key aspects including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation community dividend and grid connections.

I am advised that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will undertake a public consultation on the draft guidelines, whereby all interested parties will have an opportunity to submit observations on the draft before its finalisation.

Pending the finalisation of the National Planning Statement, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.