The Department of Environment, Community and Local Government today announced the beginning of a consultation process that will lead to an update of the technical guidance for the Wind Energy Development Guidelines.

Commenting on the consultation process, Minister for Planning, Jan O’Sullivan, TD, said, “the update is intended to ensure that the Wind Energy Guidelines are supported by robust and up-to-date evidence. Wind energy technology is a rapidly evolving area and our Guidelines should reflect that fact so that we support the development of renewable energy in Ireland in a manner that safeguards residential amenity in line with EU and national policy.”

Comments are invited on the technical aspects of the Guidelines before 15th February 2013. More information is available from www.environ.ie <http://www.environ.ie> Following the public consultation the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, will produce updated technical guidance of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines.