I am looking for an update on progress regarding the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2025. I am fully aware of our responsibility to reach our 2030 targets but is the construction of these monstrous turbines close to many rural villages really the best option for these communities? Should we prioritise solar panels and financially tweak the already-successful schemes so that every house, industrial premises, and farm shed can avail? Should we focus on the incredible untapped potential of offshore wind farms? Today, not 1 kW is being produced on the Irish Sea as progress is tied up with planning issues. By addressing these issues, villages such as Craanford in County Wexford will not have to accommodate these turbines, which are the height of the Spire in Dublin and span the length of the pitch in Croke Park. We know we have to reach our targets but the way we are going about it is simply wrong and we must take into consideration the communities there.

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. The Planning and Development Act 2024 replaces the ministerial guidelines with national planning statements. The existing section 28 guidelines, including the 2006 wind energy guidelines, remain in force until replaced. The Department of Climate, Communications and the Environment, as the lead policy Department for renewable energy, supports the development of the national planning statement. That will include environmental reporting, public consultation, EU obligations, and matters such as setback distances, noise and shadow flicker. A focused review of the wind energy development guidelines is informing the new national planning statement. That national planning statement will address noise, setback distances, shadow flicker, community obligations and dividends, and grid connections. A strategic environmental assessment and public consultation will be carried out in line with EU requirements. That is currently under way.