Members of the public have been urged to make their voices heard on new draft Wind Energy Development Guidelines.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy and Environment Minister Richard Bruton published the draft guidelines today, 12 December, which will affect future planning applications and considerations for future wind energy development proposals when finalised.

The guidelines relate to onshore wind developments and set the national policy context for the incorporation of wind energy considerations in local authority development plans and for the determination of planning applications and appeals by planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála in respect of wind energy developments.

The main changes to the current Guidelines include new noise standards, a setback distance, automatic shadow flicker control mechanisms, community consultation, community dividend and grid connections.

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Launching the public consultation, Minister Murphy said: "After much work, analysis and consultation, we are publishing draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines which are aimed at striking a better balance between addressing the needs of local communities and maintaining Ireland's ability to deliver on its renewable energy ambitions.

"Our aim in these draft guidelines is to provide greater consistency of approach in planning for onshore wind energy development; thereby providing greater certainty and clarity to the planning system, the wind energy industry and to local communities."

Minister Bruton added: "We are exiting from peat and coal to generate electricity and moving to clean, renewable sources of power, like wind and solar as part of the Climate Action Plan. By 2030, 70% of our electricity will be generated from renewables. These guidelines are crucial to delivering the step up that is required and will give clarity to project leaders. A key part will be ensuring local communities are consulted on and benefit from projects in their area. We must ensure those living close to large scale projects are included in their development."

Public consultation on the draft Wind Energy Development Guidelines closes on 19 February 2020.

(CM/JG)