2025-11-06

93. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department is liaising with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the new draft wind energy guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59827/25]

Is the Department of climate working with the Department of housing on the delivery of updated wind energy guidelines? I would be grateful for an update on same. Is there any anticipated timeline for when we can expected updated wind energy guidelines? It is of huge concern to the people of Galway East. I appreciate any response.

We are working on them. This has been ongoing for a number of years but since 2023, consultants have been appointed. It is being screened. We are doing a specific piece of work on noise. That is in my Department. We work with the lead Department in relation to the publication of the draft guidelines. This is not passing the buck; it is just a fact that the lead Department is the Department of housing and local government. We are working in conjunction with it. Once the draft guidelines are published, they will be published for public consultation. I want to see an expansion of renewables, which we are seeing, and expansion of wind energy, solar, utilising biomethane and AD and other forms of renewable energy. For clarity's sake and for communities, the guidelines are being updated, need to be updated and will be published in draft form. I cannot give an exact timeframe but work is advanced and nearing completion in that regard. I will respond to the Deputy directly after I consult the Minister, Deputy Browne.