The failure of the Department of Local Government to update wind energy guidelines is a dereliction of duty according to one Roscommon Councillor.
Councillor John Keogh made the statement as public consultation continues over the proposed Seven Hills Windfarm in Dysart.
While An Bord Pleanála will make the final decision, Roscommon County Council's Chief Executive will submit a report which Councillors can add recommendations to.
While local councillors are opposed to the development, they have submitted calls for regulations of the wind farm if approved.
These include calls for free electricity for residents near the turbines, access to a relocation fee and a set back distance of 1,500 metres from the nearest residence.
However, according to council officials the setback submission may prove problematic under current rules.
Councillor Keogh Says these guidelines have not been updated in close to 16 years.
''We've been calling on it for years at this stage, we've been all consistent in the local authority on it. But unfortunately, we had to bring forward the county development plan where we essentially were told that we would have to adhere to national policy in relation to it, we'd be acting outside of our remit by imposing a restriction of 1500 meters in respect of a setback distance, and that's the unfortunate reality of where we are in.''
