Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
229. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the updated renewable energy planning guidelines will be published; the current status of their preparation and consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37541/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with commitments in the Programme for Government 2025, my Department is working with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE), which holds policy responsibility for renewable energy matters, in respect of the introduction of a number of National Planning Statements related to Ireland's Climate Action Plan target to increase the share of electricity generated from renewable sources up to 80% in 2030. This includes the preparation of National Planning Statements in relation to both wind and solar energy development.
Further to the commencement of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 on 2 October 2025, provisions for National Planning Statements have been introduced to replace the provisions for Ministerial guidelines issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. All existing Section 28 guidelines will, over time, be revoked and replaced with new National Planning Statements. Any current section 28 guidelines will however remain in force until revoked or replaced by a corresponding National Planning Statement. The timing of the issuing of National Planning Statements will be based on Government priorities.
In respect of sectoral national planning statements in particular there is also an important role for the relevant policy Department in collaborating with my Department on the development of these National Planning Statements. In that context, my Department is working closely with the DCEE as the Department with policy responsibility for this area of Government policy in order to identify the component factors relevant to the preparation both National Planning Statements.
With regards to wind energy development, a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines has been taken as part of the development the National Planning Statement on Wind Energy under the Planning and Development Act 2024. It will address key matters including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections. In the interim, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.
With regard to solar energy development, a scoping exercise, which remains at an early stage, to identify the component factors relevant to the preparation of this National Planning Statement, including any appropriate environmental reporting and public consultation requirements, European obligations such as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), battery storage facilities and the possible timeframe for publication of the National Planning Statement. In the interim it is the case that, as with the vast majority of development types, there are not specific guidelines for the development of solar energy.
I am satisfied that the existing and evolving planning system, supported by Government policy more generally, provides a sufficiently robust policy and legislative framework to facilitate the rollout of solar energy development in a sustainable manner and to assist with meeting our renewable electricity requirements while balancing the perspectives of local communities and allowing for public and stakeholder engagement.
In line with EU Directive requirements, a strategic environmental assessment will be carried out on any draft National Planning Statement regarding wind or solar energy development, with opportunity for consultation by the public and all stakeholders on both draft National Planning Statements.
