Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan TD, has announced the commencement of a public consultation process on proposed revisions to the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines.

Earlier this year, the Minister initiated a targeted review of the existing guidelines focusing on the issues of noise (including distance) and shadow flicker.

As part of this process, Marshall Day Acoustics was commissioned to prepare a study on wind noise, which was a significant input into this review. The objective of this study was to obtain evidence upon which to evaluate the appropriateness of the existing Wind Energy Development Guidelines in relation to noise impacts and to suggest changes, where appropriate.

The revised noise and shadow flicker sections of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines being put out for public consultation today proposes:

-- Advertisement --

• The setting of a more stringent absolute noise limit (day and night) of 40 decibels (dB) for future wind energy developments. This limit is an outdoor limit, in general the reduction of noise levels between the outside of a dwelling and inside would be approximately 10 decibels.

• A mandatory setback of 500 metres between a wind turbine and the nearest dwelling for amenity considerations.

• A condition be attached to all future planning permissions for wind farms to ensure that there will be no shadow flicker at any dwelling within 10 rotor diameters of a wind turbine. If shadow flicker does occur, the wind energy developer or operator will be required to take necessary measures, such as turbine shut down for the period necessary, to eliminate the shadow flicker.

Minister O'Sullivan said: "It is my intention that the final Guidelines on wind energy development will have regard to the interests of communities, whilst at the same time recognising the importance of renewable, clean energy for the future of our environment and economy.

"I am now commencing a public consultation on these revisions to the draft guidelines to ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute their views before the guidelines are finalised next year. I anticipate significant interest in the public consultation process and look forward to receiving and considering evidence-based submissions on these draft revisions."

(CD/JP)