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important Bill. It provides for the regulation of large wind turbines and large wind farms. As someone who is in favour of developing wind energy and supports it, I believe we also need regulations on it. We need to do it in a practical, sensible and planned … Wind energy has an important part to play among our renewable energy sources, along with biogas, solar and multiple other sources. They all have to be used. There has been a failure by the Government to put regulations in place, or even to update the 2006 guidelines

have decoupled economic growth from this issue, which is key. I set up a clearing house in my Department to drive offshore wind energy development. We are not delaying it. We brought industry in to obtain a systemic assessment of the issues that could be a factor … developing offshore wind energy generation. The Deputy knows what has happened in the US, where there is a public policy against offshore wind. That is impacting on the economics. We are driving forward

currently dealing with. In April I received a response to a parliamentary question which stated that a review of the 2006 wind energy development guidelines had been undertaken as part of a national planning statement on wind energy under the Planning and Development Act 2024. Included in this … clear commitment was made to me here last December. When will the Government produce new guidelines for modern technology for onshore wind farms

reason I bring this up is because of the debate that has been going on here all day and all last week about wind energy. That is a debate in its own right. There is a spectrum of views on that issue in this House. The one thing … share those documents with the Minister, is that the Irish Aviation Authority has said that in general it has no problem with wind energy, but it has a major health and air safety concern when planning permission for wind turbines is applied for in close proximity to primary

doing the hard stuff like wind farms and offshore wind? Does the Taoiseach realise that 20 years ago we were actually producing more wind energy than we are now? In 2030, there will be zero offshore wind energy produced by Ireland. We are hurtling towards disaster. Will

public support. We see how the consequences of war in the Middle East are not confined to the Middle East. The flow of energy around the world has been disrupted and price rises and inflation will follow. We in Ireland need to look at our own defence … building of new large commercial flour mills; growing the wheat must be the next step. Likewise, we have not done enough on wind energy. We should have been able to fast-track the delivery of wind energy at sea. We are so dependent on imports

capita and we are a European leader for the integration of variable renewable electricity on the national grid. Meeting our national targets for wind energy will require further integration of renewable technologies in proximity to communities. This has to be done in an appropriate manner in full consultation … with those communities. Important related work is progressing, in collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to review the existing wind energy development guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid

back to 2006. The Minister will announce a national planning statement, which will take all of this on board, particularly in terms of wind energy guidelines. It will look at all those issues such as setback distance, noise, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections, because … grid connection is equally important, and a greater consistency of approach to planning for wind energy development and clarity to the industry and to local communities in particular. The technical context changes and technology has advanced hugely. The finalised national planning statement will be informed by the most

about Rosslare-Europort. I see CIÉ will soon be seeking planning permission to expand the port and develop a landmark facility for offshore wind energy. This will be a huge investment in the south east. Again, this is really important. I believe too that offshore wind energy

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

want to raise once again the question of wind energy guidelines. Last year when I entered this Chamber, I was anxious to understand when the planning guidelines would be updated both for wind energy, the towering tall 185 m high turbines and of course for solar energy. There

Will the Minister provide an update on the provision of wind energy; the targets for its provision in 2026; whether there are sufficient resources in place to ensure that offshore energy can be onshored; and any other infrastructural deficits that need to be dealt with from the point … view of delivering on the wind energy promise

issue. The Planning and Development Act 2024 replaces the ministerial guidelines with national planning statements. The existing section 28 guidelines, including the 2006 wind energy guidelines, remain in force until replaced. The Department of Climate, Communications and the Environment, as the lead policy Department for renewable energy, supports … will include environmental reporting, public consultation, EU obligations, and matters such as setback distances, noise and shadow flicker. A focused review of the wind energy development guidelines is informing the new national planning statement. That national planning statement will address noise, setback distances, shadow flicker, community obligations

world where we would not need fuel. We are nowhere near that in this country at this time. We do not even have wind energy offshore, something I raised with the Taoiseach in 2022 during Leaders' Questions. I spoke about the Barryroe oil field and the chance that … world to look after ourselves. We could well look after ourselves without any other country. We are surrounded by water. That is where wind energy comes into play. We could have strong potential of an oil field off Barryroe. That was not researched, and when I spoke

involved in the planning applications of the ones that exist. They are ignoring the health implications. Again, I am not against wind energy. I am against locations that are causing health implications for people living in those areas. People are entitled to their own health in their … residence. All they are asking for is to have their health protected. We are not against wind energy but we are against locations where they are causing health implications for people

Neighbours and families are falling out with one another over land and access. My fear is that this will end up like the wind energy guidelines saga whereby the Government put a commitment in place for guidelines but the matter drags on for years and the can keeps … road. Ultimately, communities are left facing these developments with no protections in place whatsoever. The Government's performance when it comes to the wind energy guidelines certainly does not inspire confidence in how it will deal with this issue. There is a similar issue around solar energy developments

constituency, and particularly in the north Galway area, we are facing a tsunami of wind energy developments. These are in communities such as Killimordaly, Clonberne, Barnaderg, Shancloon and Laurclavagh to name but a few, and there would be in excess of 150 turbines if all of the various … north County Galway would be totally unrecognisable if this were allowed to happen. These are turbines that are 185 m high. The 2006 wind energy guidelines were brought forward when turbines were a fraction of that size. They are totally out of date and do not protect communities

unacceptable that the review of wind energy guidelines has taken several years. It is a dereliction of duty from the Government while these developments are causing such unease in our communities. We all recognise that this is something that will never be perfect. There will always be controversial … place that regulates where these developments should be located so that the impact on communities can be minimised as much as possible. The wind energy guidelines are from 2006. They are totally out of date and have not kept up with the technological advances that we have

current wind energy guidelines are now 19 years old. Last year, the Taoiseach promised that the new updated guidelines would be published by the end of 2024 but the date is now quarter 1 of 2025. At the same time, rural communities are being forced to battle with … communities are banding together to try to gather money and, in some cases, are ending up in court. We need to see updated wind energy guidelines. Will the date of quarter 1 of 2025 be the actual date on which we will see the updated guidelines

binding target of a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. At last, Ministers are accepting that. The Government has failed to develop offshore wind energy, anaerobic digestion and hydrogeneration, and it is only starting with solar. This means just not climate and environmental damage but also economic damage … fracked gas terminals and all sorts of dodgy mining will be made easy. Instead, the Government should speed up the delivery of offshore wind energy, wave energy, anaerobic digestion which it has completely ignored, hydro which it has completely ignored, and solar which is only moving

urgency with which we need to transition our economy away from its reliance on fossil fuels and towards clean, indigenous, renewable energy. Wind energy produced off the Irish coast will not get stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. The inertia from the Government in building up our offshore

living through the second global fossil fuel crisis in five years. We are increasingly vulnerable as long as we depend on energy imports. Unless we take action to diversify away from fossil fuels, we will again be hit by the next crisis. When that hits, pensioners, the sick … generate our own clean, affordable power. That means we must generate power from our own huge offshore wind and wave energy resources. Wind Energy Ireland says this requires sustained support from the Government, Eirgrid, the regulator and others in order to ensure that every available resource is aligned

when Irish households' electricity bills are shooting up, renewable energy is being wasted at scale. According to EirGrid, in April 2026, 18% of wind energy was wasted. This is why we need more energy storage in Ireland. The concept is simple. Battery storage captures renewable electricity when wind … indication to the industry of how much battery storage is anticipated. Action 9 requires the creation of a market framework to incentivise energy storage technologies. Wind and solar electricity have the renewable energy support scheme. Energy storage needs similar financial certainty to incentivise development. Two years after

interest and active involvement in this issue. I am consistently on the record on the importance of publishing new guidelines in relation to wind energy and wind farms. I am a believer, as I believe the Deputy said he was, in the switch to renewable energy … national planning statement in relation to this issue. That needs to provide certainty and clarity on who can and cannot build a wind farm, where they can be built, the distance, the flicker and a number of the other issues the Deputy has raised. I hear different things

power generation, which was a symbolic end to a high-carbon era. It reflects the structural transformation under way in our energy network. Wind energy provided 48% of Ireland's power last February. In January, Ireland reached the important milestone of hitting 5 GW of installed onshore wind … must back that up with investment but also by making sure projects are delivered more quickly, particularly in the area of offshore renewable energy

Environment the engagement his Department has had with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding the review and update of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines; the input his Department has provided to that process; the way in which the revised guidelines will support Ireland's energy

engaged with the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage on the delay to the publication of an update to the wind energy guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72894/25

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the updated Wind Energy Development Guidelines will be published; the specific timeline for their publication, particularly in relation to setback distances from residential properties given the significant increase in the height of modern wind turbines

will provide the status as promised on the intentions of Government to bring forward new guidelines to replace the 2006 guidelines on wind energy; if further changes to the planning process are being considered in respect of the need to ensure that the views and concerns of local

Heritage if he will provide an update on the intentions of Government to bring forward new guidelines to replace the 2006 guidelines on wind energy; and if further changes to the planning process are being considered in respect of the need to ensure that the views and concerns

grid-led and even growth approach, if he will confirm the specific setback distance from sensitive receptors was applied in the analysis for wind energy; if he will clarify which body or authority confirmed that such a setback distance would ensure the protection of population human health

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the National Planning Statement relating to onshore wind energy is expected to be published; whether its publication will be expedited as a priority in 2026, having regard to the Government’s renewable electricity targets

Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the review of the 2006 wind energy development guidelines; and when new guidelines will be published. [71689/26

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to PQ69374/26, the timeline for delivering of the National Planning Statement in relation to onshore wind energy development; if it will be delivered in 2026; and the year this is projected to be delivered. [72067/26

Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department monitors the geographic concentration of proposed and approved onshore wind energy developments; the number of turbines approved and proposed in county Kilkenny; and whether consideration is given to ensuring an equitable distribution of renewable

Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of land owned by Coillte currently designated or leased for onshore wind energy developments in County Kilkenny; the criteria used by Coillte when selecting sites for renewable energy projects; and if he will make a statement

Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the proposed national territorial mapping, being progressed through the three regional assemblies to identify areas suitable onshore wind energy development is expected to be completed and published; whether he is satisfied that there is sufficient alignment between national renewable energy objectives, Regional

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the expected timeline for the issuing of an initial draft of new planning guidelines relating to wind energy. [65557/26

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the onshore wind energy guidelines; if they will published in Q3 2026; and if not, if they will be published by the end of the year; the reason for the ongoing

Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the updated Wind Energy Guidelines will be published.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48850/26

Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when Ireland's planning framework for wind energy development will be brought fully into alignment with current European Union environmental obligations and jurisprudence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48851/26

asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the plans for the introduction of comprehensive cumulative impact assessment requirements for large-scale wind energy developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48853/26

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage the number of wind energy projects currently within the planning system in the State; the total generating capacity in MW associated with these projects; to provide a breakdown by county, stage in the planning process including

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage the number of wind energy projects that have received planning permission but have not yet commenced construction; the total generating capacity in MW represented by these projects; the length of time elapsed since permission was granted

asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authorities that have a dedicated “Local Authority Renewable Strategy or Wind Energy Strategy” as part of their County Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47582/26

Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the review of the 2006 wind energy development guidelines; when new guidelines will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27608/26

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on the work of the Cabinet offshore wind energy clearing house. [29768/26

Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on the work of the Cabinet offshore wind energy clearing house. [29770/26

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on the work of the Cabinet offshore wind energy clearing house. [29773/26

Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on the work of the Cabinet offshore wind energy clearing house. [30323/26