Laois TD puts forward updated regulations for wind energy facilities 

A Laois TD has launched a Bill proposing the regulation of wind farms.

Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley has put this Bill forward to the Dáil, calling for amendments to outdated regulations.

This comes following the protest against a newly proposed windfarm on top of Cullohill Mountain in Laois, an area protected by Special Area of Conservation under the European Union Habitats Directive. In 2016, a plan to erect wind turbines on the mountain was fought by locals. This led to the withdrawal of the developer due to costs and objections. An 80 metre tall wind [measurement] mast was recently installed at this location.

“I have brought forward this Bill due to the absence of regulations, or even effective guidelines for wind farm developments. The larger parties in Leinster House have failed to bring forward legalisation to correct this,” Deputy Stanley has said.

“While it’s important that we utilise our wind energy potential and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it’s also important that there are proper regulations in place.

“The wind farm guidelines that are there at present are from 2006 and don’t take into account that the turbines now been erected are in some cases 3-4 times higher than in that year. While guidelines were published in 2019, these still remain only in draft form.

“This legislation would put in place effective regulations for large wind farm developments, it makes provision for; meaningful public consultation, proper set back distances for dwellings, protection for residents in terms of excessive noise and shadow flicker and crucially it allows local communities to buy up to 10% ownership of a wind farm in their locality,” the TD explained.

“The location of the turbines is extremely important and must be in an area designated in the County Development Plan and be consistent with the plan.

“Wind turbines that are more than 30 metres high must have set back distance from dwellings of 7.5 times the height of the turbine.”

Deputy Stanley proposes that every application for permission under the Act to construct a wind turbine, and every operator of a wind farm shall ensure that the noise from the wind turbines does not exceed the noise limits specified in the World Health Organisation Guidelines for the community noise (1999.

The Deputy proposes that developers must also ensure that the shadow flicker does not pass over the windows of nearby dwellings.
“Co-ownership for communities is an opportunity that developers shall provide to local residents who live within 4 kilometres to purchase up to ten percent (10%) stake in a wind farm as part of a community co-ownership model, which is common in other Countries,” Deputy Stanley said.

“A company applying for permission to construct a wind farm in accordance with the Act shall enter a legally binding bond with the local authority which shall provide financial recompense on the part of the company to pay for repair of any damage caused, to local public infrastructure during the construction period.

“If a company responsible for any construction or operation of a wind turbine fails to comply with the provisions of this Act, then the person or company shall be liable for a penalty to be determined by the Minister upon the enactment of the legislation Act. This bill will put sensible regulations in place for large wind farms developments,” he finished.