Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment

1. Potential generation capacity from wind farms connected to national grid in the years 2021 and 2022? 2. Acutal electricity generated by wind farms connect to national grid in the years 2021 and 2023? 3.Potential generation capacity from solar farms connected to national grid in the years 2021 and 2022? 4. Acutal electricity generated by solar farms connect to national grid in the years 2021 and 2023? 5. What is the reason why the distance from residential properties to wind turbine is so short compaired to other countries i.e. 500 meters veres 1000 to 1500 meters to 10 times the height of the turbine? 6. What guidelines/recommedations have been used to arrive at this distance? 7. Given the fact that new wind farm applications are for far larger and taller turbine, which will have greater negative effects, why has the distance from private homes not be ajusted accordingly. 8. Why has certain sections of the Kilkenny county development plan been under review by the Minister O'Brien for nearly two years now? The delay in finalizing the Kilkenny County Development Plan is creating a regulatory and guidance gap that certain prominent wind energy companies are exploiting, allowing them to pursue projects at their discretion. This situation is impeding the democratic and public consultation process that ought to precede such developments. As the county development plan serves as the cornerstone for all county-wide projects, the absence of comprehensive planning guidelines in relation to wind energy development is concerning. 9. What are the reasons why the Minister has not acted on the recommendations of the Office of the Planning Regulator dated 22/2/220?