I propose to take Questions Nos. 496 to 498, inclusive, together.
The Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III) permitting provisions have been transposed into the Irish planning code primarily through the European Union (Planning and Development) (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2025 (S.I. No. 274 of 2025), supported by Departmental guidance issued to planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála (the Commission).
The existing statutory framework, under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, continues to determine whether a renewable energy proposal is made to the relevant planning authority or to An Coimisiún Pleanála, having regard to the nature, scale and legislative provisions applicable to the particular development type (including, where relevant, the Strategic Infrastructure Development arrangements). The RED III transposition measures are focused on process and consent timelines and do not, of themselves, alter the general allocation of functions between planning authorities and the Commission.
One statutory requirement that RED III did introduce is that where an application for relevant categories of renewable energy development is made to a planning authority, the authority must within 45 days either:
• acknowledge completeness (where satisfied the application includes the information required to process it), or
• request that the applicant submit a complete application without undue delay.
My Department has issued circulars and supporting material to assist consistent implementation (including CEPP 1/2025 and CEPP 2/2025, and subsequent circulars reflecting any amendments).
My Department recognises the importance of robust pre-application engagement and front-loading of information (including environmental assessment material) to support timely assessment and decisions on high-quality applications within RED III permit-granting timelines.
In this regard, I have been advised by An Coimisiún Pleanála that it will advise applicants during pre-application consultations on the information required to facilitate the completeness check, including issuing a schedule or checklist to inform that process. The Commission has also published RED III information guides (including guidance for prospective applicants and for planning authorities), which explain the Commission’s approach to the completeness check and the information it expects to be addressed through pre-application consultation.
In addition, my Department has published a RED III “Further Information” / FAQ document on gov.ie, to address practical or operational queries received from the local government sector. The FAQ document is being treated as a live document that may be updated as required.
RED III also provides for a Single Point of Contact to be designated in each Member State. In Ireland the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has been appointed to this role, with planning authorities and the Commission required to notify SEAI of relevant RED III application milestones for permit-granting timeline purposes.
In relation to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), National Monuments Service and other prescribed bodies, my Department continues to engage with key stakeholders as implementation of the RED III measures beds in. The resourcing of the National Parks and Wildlife Service falls within the broader remit of my Department as part of the annual budgetary process. In that broader context, Budget 2026 included an increase in funding for nature and heritage, including an increase for the NPWS.
My Department will continue to engage with planning authorities, the Commission and relevant prescribed bodies on implementation issues as the RED III measures bed in, including in relation to guidance, pre-application engagement, and the practical operation of the new completeness check arrangements.
