COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, June 18, 2015

MOTION NO. 45217

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

Amend Energy (E) Policy 10 Small Scale Wind Energy Schemes to read:

It is Council policy to encourage small to medium-scale wind energy developments within industrial or business parks, and support small community-based proposals in urban areas provided they do not negatively impact upon the environmental quality, and visual or residential amenities of the area.

Co sponsored by Liona O’Toole, Deirdre O Donovan, Guss O’Connell, Francis Timmons, Francis Noel Duffy, Dermot Looney

REPORT:

Small scale wind turbines are classified in the context of those used in the domestic and commercial sense for on site energy use (also known as auto-production). Under existing planning exemptions provided for under the Planning and Development Regulations 2007 and 2008, wind turbines with an overall height of 13 metres are allowable in the domestic case and 20 metres in the commercial case. There are also specific requirements relating to distances from boundaries, overhead cables and electricity distribution lines.

In Ireland, grid connection rules state that a wind turbine used for auto-production purposes, can supply power back to the National Grid up to a limit of 500kW. Such ‘medium scale’ wind turbines that could cater for both on-site consumption and feeding a proportion of energy produced back onto the national grid vary in height, depending on site location and available wind speeds, but could reach a standard total height of between approximately 50 and 70 metres in total height. Figure 1 attached shows the varying height of typical wind turbines relative to the amount of energy produced. The height of the turbines is shown relative to the height of Liberty Hall, Dublin, which is approximately 59 metres in height.

The intention of the motion is accepted, medium scale wind turbines of between approximately 50 - 70 metres in total height and capable of generating 500kW installed capacity (as shown on Figure 1), could be considered in industrial and business parks. However, such medium scale wind turbines would require an adequate ‘falling height’ which would require careful consideration, given the layout and design of existing industrial and business parks across South Dublin County, together with other planning, aviation and environmental constraints that may exist.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is adopted