The Director stated that the OPR has stated in its submission that the Draft Plan is generally consistent with National Policies and National Frameworks and has responded through proposed material alterations in a generally positive manner to the OPR recommendations and observations. The OPR is strongly commending the planning authority for the preparation of the Planning and Infrastructure Assessment and acknowledgement of the work that has been involved in amending the population allocations within the Core Strategy and welcoming the information provided on baseline modal share and the inclusion of modal share targets.

In response to a query on the definition of Implement of address the OPR recommendations, he stated that recommendations relate to clear breaches of the relevant legislative provisions of the National and Regional Policy Framework and policy of the government as set out in ministerial guidelines under Section 28 the planning authority and the Chief Executives recommendations will be aligning with what the definition of a recommendation is for the purpose of the OPR.

OPR recommendation on Setback Distances for Wind and Biomass Projects:

In accordance with the provisions of section 12(18) and section 28(1)(c) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), and having regard to:

(i) the government’s commitment in the Climate Action Plan 2021, which sets a target of increasing the share of electricity demand generated from renewable sources up to 80% by 2030;

(ii) National Policy Objective 55 which promotes renewable energy use and generation to meet national targets;

(iii) the section 28 Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2006); and

(iv) the specific planning policy requirement set out in the Interim Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Statutory Plans, Renewable Energy and Climate Change (2017),

the planning authority is required to omit the setback distances introduced as material amendments to the draft Plan and Renewable Energy Strategy for wind energy and biomass energy.

Material amendments MA50, MA172, MA51 and MA173 refer.

Chief Executive recommendation No 1

That the plan be made without Proposed Material Amendments MA50, MA51, MA172 and MA173.

The Director stated that the recommendation of the OPR is that Planning Authority is required to omit the setback distances introduced as material amendments to the draft plan on renewable energy strategy for wind energy. The decision taken at the meeting on 16^th November was a clear breach of national policy with regard to renewables. 

The separation distances as set out under the proposed amendments in relation to wind energy  are contrary to those set out in the 2006 wind energy guidelines and also contrary  to the draft revised wind energy development guidelines of December 2019. The proposed amendments if retained would significantly undermine the contribution of the development plan to meet national renewable energy targets and our Climate Action Plan 2021 and contrary to specific planning policy requirements contained in the in guidelines for Planning authorities and would also conflict with the strategic aims of the plan which outlines the county's commitment to climate action. The Chief Executive is recommending that we revert to the OPR recommendation i.e the Draft plan without amendments.

The members discussed the recommendation as follows:

·         While the recommendation is unpalatable to the Members, in the absence of national policy to revise the guidelines, there appears to be no choice but to accept this.

·         We are aware that our renewable energy targets have to be met by 2030 – but there are alternatives.

·         Planning permission for windfarms should not bypass Local Authorities.

·         Agree with wind energy but it should be off shore.

·         The war in Ukraine will focus us as a country to be more self-sufficient in providing necessary resources. Heating oil is now being rationed and it shows our dependency on fossil fuels.

·         Refusal to accept this recommendation could jeopardise the plan. There has been a failure of Government to update policies and the wing energy guidelines have not been updated since 2006. The wind turbines have changes in size and scale since.

·         Ireland needs to utilise its own resources, however we need to be cognisant of communities and support their wishes. Wind is not the only renewable resource. It is unfortunate that this must be accepted but it is a National issue to address and national policy is taking into account the communities affected – an undemocratic process.

·         In the last development plan the same issue arose and we fought our case but received a direction from the Minister – nothing has changed with regard to the guidelines since and in having to address the climate issue, this need has become more acute.

·         We need to accept this and cannot insulate communities from the reality of the climate crisis – urgent action is needed. Wind is our biggest asset and can also be complimented with solar power. We could in fact be a net exporter of excess energy to Europe – the future could be a deficit of adequate electricity and our next generation will not thank us if we do not act now.

·         We need to be self-sufficient and wind is not the only answer – solar power is a quicker solution – balance is necessary as this greatly affects communities.

·         There needs to be a limit on the size and scale of onshore wind farms.

·         Can the plan be amended if the guidelines on wind energy changes?

In reply to the points raised the Director confirmed that any proposal for a wind farm mandatorily must go to An Bord Pleanala for decision. Our plan is cognisant of the wind guidelines and will be amended if they change. We have a target of 80% renewables by 2030 and this will be a huge challenge to achieve.

The Chief Executive commented that the Members had articulated their views very well. There is a new reality with regard to energy requirements and a realisation of what needs to be done. Communities will be heard but it is important to accept that wind energy is essential for this country to adapt to. The full rigours of the planning process will be applied to any applications. The Council has a Climate Unit and will be working with communities and this is the way forward.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

SECONDED by Cllr. Kilduff

It was AGREED to accept the Chief Executive Recommendation No1

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Naughten

SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to write to the Minister in relation to the urgent need to revise the Wind Energy Guidelines.