The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government is currently conducting a targeted review of its Wind Energy Development Guidelines in relation to noise, proximity and shadow flicker.

There will also be a number of technical appendices developed over the coming months to assist planning authorities in relation to noise assessment, monitoring and the setting of planning conditions.

As part of this review, Marshall Day Acoustics was commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), following a procurement competition, to carry out a study on wind farm noise. The objective of the study was to obtain evidence upon which to evaluate the appropriateness of the existing Wind Energy Development Guidelines in relation to noise impacts. Marshall Day Acoustics have significant international experience in this field and have previously participated in reviews of the wind farm noise guidelines for the Australian and New Zealand Governments. Their study is now completed and was a key input into the review of the current wind guidelines. It should be noted that this study is final and submissions are not being sought on its contents. As it is an independent study, the Department is not in a position to comment on its contents.

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As this is a targeted review focusing on specific issues, all the other sections of the current Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2006 will remain in place. Concerns of possible health impacts in respect of wind energy infrastructure are not matters which fall within the remit of these guidelines as they are more appropriately dealt with by health professionals. However, the Department of Health has been made aware of the on-going review of the Wind Guidelines and any perspectives that they may have, relevant to the planning process, will be taken into account in finalising the revisions to the guidelines.

Written submissions on the proposed revisions to the Guidelines are invited up to February 21st 2014. Submissions on other sections of the Guidelines or additional matters will not be considered as it is not proposed to carry out a full review of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines at this time. Following consideration of the submissions made during this period of consultation, the revisions to the Guidelines will be finalised and issued to planning authorities under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

How to make your submission:-

Written submissions in relation to the Guidelines may be e-mailed or posted to:

Wind Submissions

Planning Section

Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

Custom House

Dublin 1

Email: [email protected]