Wind energy farms are more likely to receive planning permission under new guidelines published by the Department of Environment and Local Government.
Local authorities should carefully consider the contribution that could be made by wind energy to cutting the State's carbon dioxide emissions and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, the guidelines state.
Commenting on the document, Minister for the Environment Dick Roche said "the core tenet" of the Government's energy policy is to ensure "a secure and uninterrupted" electricity supply.
The 130-page guidelines update rules laid down by the State in 1996, and take account of major improvements in energy turbine technology since then.
"In coming to a decision, planning authorities should also consider the importance of the development of wind energy projects, including those proposed on designated sites, in view of their strategic importance in contributing significantly to the achievement of targets set out in the National Climate Change Strategy by decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, with subsequent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions," the guidelines state.
The document went on: "Planning authorities should have regard to national policy regarding the development of alternative and indigenous energy sources, and the minimisation of emissions of greenhouse gases in considering a planning application for wind energy development."
Lands designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)could host wind farms, though their siting would have to honour Ireland's obligations under EU environmental directives.
"Planning authorities must ensure that a proposal which is likely to have a significant effect on an SAC or other designated area, is authorised only to the extent that the planning authority is satisfied will not adversely affect the integrity of the area. If necessary, they can seek changes to the development proposed or attach appropriate planning conditions," it said.
"In circumstances where a wind energy project is likely to have an adverse effect on the integrity of a site of international importance for nature conservation . . . planning permission should only be granted where there is no alternative solution and where there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature."
Equally, wind farms in the State's most popular beauty spots were not ruled out: "The results of survey work indicate that tourism and wind energy can co-exist happily. The educational potential of wind energy developments should also be considered. There may be scope for interpretative centres on alternative energy resources to be located at accessible locations in proximity to some wind energy developments."
Meanwhile, gardaí were called on Thursday to Coolmane outside Bantry after 40 locals blocked ESB workers from starting work on a line to a proposed development by surrounding their vehicles.
