Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 June 2025
266. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the planning regulations and guidelines being developed for solar farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35068/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department notes the commitment in the Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future to introduce planning guidelines for solar energy developments.
In light of this commitment, my Department has begun an initial scoping process to identify the component factors relevant to the preparation of planning guidelines for solar energy development, including any appropriate environmental reporting and public consultation requirements, and the possible timeframe for publication of said guidelines.
Given this scoping process remains at an early stage, such guidelines, once completed, will likely issue as a National Planning Statement, subject to commencement of the relevant provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2024.
In the interim, there are currently no specific planning guidelines in place in respect of solar energy development. Proposals for individual solar energy developments are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the same manner as other proposed developments, with planning applications made to the relevant local planning authority, or An Coimisiún Pleanála on appeal.
