The Minister for Energy, Pat Rabbitte, T.D has announced that he has instructed his officials to develop an overall policy and planning framework which will guide An Bord Pleanála when considering any proposals for wind energy export projects.

The framework which will be based on a Strategic Environmental Assessment, will be prepared over the coming twelve months and will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders including local authorities, potential project developers and local communities to be consulted and have an input into the national policy for wind export.

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Minister Rabbitte commented: "As I have previously said, a clear national planning policy context for Renewable Energy Export is essential for An Bord Pleanála (ABP) in assessing and determining individual strategic projects. The framework we will develop will provide an opportunity to integrate relevant EU Directive requirements – Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Directive – in the context of developing a new national framework."

(CD/JP)