Revision of Wind Development Planning Guidelines delayed in Ireland

One of the most crucial problems at that time concerning wind deployment is the delayed process of updating the existing Wind Development Planning Guidelines that were introduced in 2006. The process is ongoing, but it is considerably slow. There is no finalised document so far and this is a major setback, as it hinders the selection and installation of wind energy sites. As long as these are delayed, it remains difficult to realise additional wind energy projects. Recent developments concern the noise levels and shadow flickering. In any case, the definition for both issues will have a significant impact on the onshore wind (+20% cost). Furthermore, there seems to be a lack of coordination and integration of local development plans to regional development plants and this also has a severe impact upon development. The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government initiated a public consultation at the end of 2019- beginning of 2020. However, the guidelines have not been finalised yet.

IWEA (Irish WInd Energy Association) has collaborated with DCCAE (Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment) so a new system for noise measurement can be introduced to the guidelines. However, a definitive set of deadlines is a need, so the previous errors and miscalculations are rectified.

Apart from the slow process of introducing those guidelines, some standards are not enforceable or realisable as they do not reflect the state-of-the-art technologies. Considering the very slow revision pace of the planning guidelines, it seems very unlikely that the 8000 MW of pipeline projects will be realised in the foreseable future.