Onshore Windfarms

The Heritage Council seeks to ensure that the development of the renewable energy sector in Ireland can be carried out in harmony with our unique and world-renowned national heritage

The Heritage Council as a national statutory body seeks to ensure that the development of the renewable energy sector in Ireland can be carried out in harmony with our unique and world-renowned national heritage, which is defined by Section 6 (1) of the Heritage Act 1995, as including: ‘monuments, archaeological objects, heritage objects, architectural heritage, flora, fauna, wildlife habitats, landscapes, seascapes, wrecks, geology, heritage gardens and parks and inland waterways’.

Our research report below examines the national onshore wind farm spatial planning legislation and policy framework in Ireland, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, assesses gaps and opportunities and provides recommendations to improve spatial planning policy formulation, implementation and monitoring in Ireland.

It is envisaged that this policy research report will inform the formulation of a National Landscape Strategy (NLS) by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.