“Damage caused by the government's regulatory vacuum,” Mayo TD presses government over wind farm guidelines
Rose Conway-Walsh says communities feel disrespected by the lack of government planning guidelines
Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh has criticised the Government over the continued delay in publishing updated national guidelines for onshore wind farm developments.
Raising the issue with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage during a Dáil debate last night (Tuesday, July 14), Deputy Conway-Walsh said Ireland is still relying on 20-year-old planning guidelines for wind energy developments while communities in Mayo face a growing number of proposed wind farm projects.
“I am absolutely dumbfounded that we are now finishing another year without the national guidelines for wind turbines,” she said. “It’s absolutely outrageous that we’re developing onshore wind energy with planning guidelines that are 20 years old.”
The Sinn Féin TD stated that while she supports renewable energy, developments must be carried out in the right locations and with proper consultation.
She cited proposed developments in Tirawley, Geesalam, Rinmore and Mayo Abbey, arguing they could impact protected habitats, cultural heritage, biodiversity and tourism.
Referring to concerns raised by local communities and businesses, Deputy Conway-Walsh said the proposed turbines would have significant visual impacts and could undermine tourism along the Wild Atlantic Way.
She also criticised the consultation process for wind farm proposals, saying local residents feel their concerns are not being properly heard.
“Communities are growing angrier and angrier, and they feel absolutely disrespected because there’s no proper consultation,” she said.
The Mayo TD also called for greater investment in offshore wind development along Ireland’s west coast, arguing it would create economic opportunities while reducing pressure for large onshore projects.
“Where are the plans to develop offshore wind? We have a huge expanse along the west coast but there is nothing for the west coast in the proposed development of offshore wind energy,” she said. “There is huge wealth to be gained for communities along the western seaboard if this is done properly.”
Responding on behalf of Housing Minister James Brown, Minister of State Kieran O’Donnell said the Government remains committed to achieving its renewable energy targets, including generating 80% of Ireland’s electricity from renewable sources and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
He confirmed that the existing 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force while work continues on a new National Planning Statement for wind energy.
The Minister said the updated planning framework will address key issues including noise, setback distances, shadow flicker, community obligations and grid connections, while balancing the concerns of local communities with Ireland’s climate and energy commitments.
He added that the Department of Housing is working closely with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment to finalise the new planning statement, which will be subject to public consultation before publication.
However, Deputy Conway-Walsh said communities need action now rather than further promises.
“The damage caused by the Government’s regulatory vacuum is leading to a deteriorating situation in local areas,” she said.
As the Dáil is in its final week for the 2025-2026 year, Deputy Conway-Walsh urged the Government to publish the guidelines as soon as possible and called for a more community-focused approach to renewable energy development, with increased community ownership and meaningful public consultation.