Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 September 2025
132. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the input his Department has had into the development of solar energy development guidelines as initiated by the Department for Housing; Local Government and Heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49077/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra147. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has been in communication with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding the publishing of planning guidelines for solar farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49316/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 147 together.
The Programme for outlines the Government's commitment to deliver 80% of Ireland's electricity demand from renewable energy sources including 8GW of solar energy.
The total installed capacity of solar generation connected to the grid currently stands at over 1.7 Gigawatts (GW) with a new record for peak solar generation set in July. Government policy is focused on maintaining this momentum and delivering on our ambitious target of 8 GW of solar capacity.
To support this, the Programme for Government sets out a commitment to introduce planning guidelines for solar farms. Planning matters fall within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
I am advised that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage 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.
Under the aegis of the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce, officials from my Department will liaise and work with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as this important matter progresses.
