Written Answers Nos. 292-317
292. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she expects to be in a position to allow sporting activities including contact sports to take place throughout 2021 given the continued presence of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11851/21]
View answerThe Government recently agreed that the current public health restrictions on sport and exercise will be extended until 5 April. The current epidemiological situation is such that it does not permit Government consideration at this time of the resumption of sporting activities. The Government's clear message at the present time is for people to stay in their homes, unless necessary for those essential reasons set out in the public health regulations.
Last week, the Government published the COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery Plan 2021 – The Path Ahead and agreed that the public health restrictions will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness. The public health advice is that it is too early to say how and when other restrictions should be eased given current uncertainties. Government will meet in advance of the 5th of April to review the level of restrictions. The focus of the assessment, based on the public health advice, will be on achieving the following before any significant easing of measures is contemplated:
1. Disease prevalence (case numbers/incidence) is brought to much lower levels that can be managed and controlled by public health and that the reproduction number (“R” number) is such that we can be confident that we can continue to suppress the disease e.g. at or below 1.
2. Hospital and critical care occupancy are reduced to low levels to protect the health service and allow for the safe resumption of non-COVID-19 care.
3. Ongoing and steady progress on the vaccination programme such that the most vulnerable are protected through vaccination.
4. Emerging information on variants of concern.
Any easing of measures should be slow and gradual with sufficient time between phases to assess impact and to respond if the epidemiological situation was to deteriorate. It will take account of emerging international and national evidence and experience and with a specific focus on supporting mental health and wellbeing. The Government has agreed that the following areas may be considered if the situation improves sufficiently:
- Some easing of restrictions on outdoor activities and meetings beyond 1 other household.
- Consideration of extending the current 5km limit.
- Staggered start of easing of other areas of activity with a focus on outdoor activities including sport and some areas of construction.
Minister Martin and I will continue our engagement with Sport Ireland and the sporting bodies with a view to bringing proposals at the appropriate time for consideration by Government, in consultation with NPHET and the public health authorities.
293. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she has evaluated the totality of the losses suffered by the various sectors under the aegis of her Department arising from Covid-19 or other reasons; the action taken or proposed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11852/21]
View answerThe public health restrictions at level 5 of the Government's COVID-19 Resilience & Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead will remain in place until 5th April 2021, when a further review will be conducted. These measures have been put in place to protect us all, however I remain acutely aware of the continuing challenge that these restrictions present to the sectors supported by my Department.
The COVID-19 pandemic has utterly changed the operating landscape for the Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. These sectors are the hardest hit by every escalation in the level of restrictions applicable under the Living with COVID-19 Plan and are essentially closed between levels 3 and 5. This has been the situation for these sectors for the majority of 2020 and appears set to continue for some months.
As we set out in the Path Ahead launched last week, we will continue to review the situation based on up to date information on the roll-out of the vaccination programme, information on new variants, levels of virus transmission, and the situation in our health sector. Given the ongoing and evolving nature of this situation, it is not possible to say definitively what the total impact of COVID-19 will have on these sectors.
That said, I have been actively working with and for the sectors within my remit to ensure that they are supported during the pandemic. Throughout these challenging times I and my officials have kept in contact with a broad range of stakeholders and I have established a number of groups and taskforces to ensure that I have the most up to date information about the difficulties facing these sectors. These include:
- The Tourism Recovery Taskforce;
- The Hospitality and Tourism Forum;
- The Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce;
- The Sports Monitoring Group.
In addition to these groups I have established the Night-time Economy Taskforce and the Future of Media Commission, both of which are looking at longer term polices in respect of night time culture and media respectively.
In response to the information I have been given, I have put in place a number of substantial measures to support and strengthen the sectors through 2021. These include:
- A new €55m support fund for strategic tourism businesses;
- VAT on the sector reduced to 9%, will improve competitiveness and viability of businesses;
- New €50m support for live entertainment - a range of supports for live entertainment events to take place in 2021 in venues across the country, other measures to support music, and a new grant scheme for equipment;
- €130m for the Arts Council – a record level;
- Over €78m funding allocation for Gaeltacht and Irish language sector – up €14.8m on initial 2020 allocation;
- Funding for TG4 up to €40.733m;
- Sport Ireland allocated €104.5m – up €36m.
I have also worked with my colleagues across Government to ensure the availability of horizontal supports that are critical to the survival of many in our sectors. These include the universal income supports of PUP and the wage subsidy scheme which continue to be key to supporting to all sectors thorough this crisis. I am pleased to note that the extension of both of these schemes until June 2021 has provided some much needed certainty around income support. Additionally, Government is providing a range of enterprise supports such as the CRSS (Covid Restrictions Support Scheme), the CBAS (Covid Business Aid Scheme), commercial rates waivers etc., which many businesses in the sectors my Department supports can avail of.
I am resolved to continue to work with stakeholders across my sectors to monitor the evolving situation and to work with my Government colleagues to support these sectors not just during this pandemic, but into the all important recovery phase which will follow it.
294. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she has considered a programme to encourage renewed interest in Ireland for foreign tourists as soon as it becomes possible after the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11853/21]
View answerTourism is one of Ireland’s most important industries. It is estimated that the sector as a whole contributed over €9 billion to the economy in 2019 and supported approximately 260,000 jobs. The impact of COVID-19 on travel and tourism globally has been overwhelming, with unprecedented and extremely serious consequences for Ireland’s tourism and hospitality sector since spring 2020.
As we saw last summer, there is a significant demand for tourism when public health conditions allow it. However, a significant part of the tourism economy is based on overseas visitors (with almost 75% of the revenue generated by tourism coming from overseas visitors) and until we can safely allow overseas visitors to enter the country, it will be difficult for the sector to recover.
Tourism Ireland have been actively working behind the scenes to keep Ireland front and centre in the minds of potential travellers and at the appropriate time they will launch an extensive global recovery kick-start programme. When the time comes to actively promote Ireland abroad as a travel destination, Tourism Ireland will enter a market that will be extremely competitive. I have ensured that the agency is adequately resourced to carry this out and I am aware that plans are in place ready to be implemented. I am confident that Tourism Ireland will be fully prepared for this challenging task.
299. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide the necessary funding and support to breakdancing following its recognition by the International Olympic Committee to ensure athletes receive adequate training to compete for Ireland in breakdancing events at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games and to ensure Irish breakdancers are not at a disadvantage compared to their counterparts abroad in preparation for those games. [12021/21]
View answerThe funding distributed by Sport Ireland for high performance athletes and programmes is disbursed to recognised National Governing Bodies of sport (NGBs). Sport Ireland operates a formal recognition process for organisations wishing to become eligible for support as NGBs. The recognition process for achieving the status of NGB in Ireland is a matter solely for Sport Ireland, which has the legislative responsibility for the development of sport in Ireland pursuant to the Sport Ireland Act 2015. The recognition criteria establish minimum requirements for all organisations wishing to apply to Sport Ireland for recognition.
There are over 60 recognised National Governing Bodies which have each demonstrated their capacity to organise competitions in their respective codes and to implement policies for health and safety, safeguarding and other matters. These cover a broad range of sports from field sports, Olympic disciplines and minority sports. There are also a number of sporting bodies which are currently working towards recognition, with the support of Sport Ireland.
I understand that Sport Ireland has received an application for recognition as NGB for the breakdancing discipline from an umbrella organisation. This application is currently under deliberation by Sport Ireland.
300. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding funding packages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12079/21]
View answerFáilte Ireland recently launched the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme. The administration of the scheme is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
302. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will address a matter regarding licensed boat operators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12106/21]
View answerFáilte Ireland recently launched the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme to support the fixed costs of strategic tourism businesses, in particular those not eligible for the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme. The administration of the scheme is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland and I have referred the Deputy's question to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
303. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports that will be put in place for tourism businesses that do not qualify for the Fáilte Ireland tourism business continuity scheme due to turnover not meeting criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12107/21]
View answerThe July Stimulus and Budget 2021 provided a significant package of tax and fiscal measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors. Most recently Fáilte Ireland launched the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme which will provide support to providers of certain tourism services who have been unable to qualify for assistance under the Government's Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS). It is designed to help these tourism businesses offset their fixed costs incurred last year and support them to continue operating through 2021.
I understand that the requirement for a minimum annual turnover of €50,000 is based on the likelihood that for businesses with turnover less than that, non-payroll fixed costs will be sufficiently low enough to enable the owners furlough the business by availing of other state aids (namely income supports such as PUP and EWSS), thereby enabling these businesses to re-emerge as public health restrictions ease.
304. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has engaged with National Broadband Ireland on any aspect of broadband provision in the past six months; and the outcome of any engagement. [12129/21]
View answerNeither I, nor officials from my Department, have engaged with National Broadband Ireland on any aspect of the provision of broadband services during the period specified by the Deputy.
305. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the expected timeline for the resumption of youth soccer under the COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead plan in view of the role that the sport plays in promoting positive mental health in young people especially in disadvantaged communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12150/21]
View answerThe Government recently agreed that the current public health restrictions on sport and exercise – including youth soccer – will be extended until 5 April. The current epidemiological situation is such that it does not permit Government consideration at this time of the resumption of such sporting activity. The Government's clear message at the present time is for people to stay in their homes, unless necessary for those essential reasons set out in the public health regulations.
Last week, the Government published the COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery Plan 2021 – The Path Ahead and agreed that the public health restrictions will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness. The public health advice is that it is too early to say how and when other restrictions should be eased given current uncertainties. Government will meet in advance of the 5th of April to review the level of restrictions. The focus of the assessment, based on the public health advice, will be on achieving the following before any significant easing of measures is contemplated:
1. Disease prevalence (case numbers/incidence) is brought to much lower levels that can be managed and controlled by public health and that the reproduction number (“R” number) is such that we can be confident that we can continue to suppress the disease e.g. at or below 1.
2. Hospital and critical care occupancy are reduced to low levels to protect the health service and allow for the safe resumption of non-COVID-19 care.
3. Ongoing and steady progress on the vaccination programme such that the most vulnerable are protected through vaccination.
4. Emerging information on variants of concern.
Any easing of measures should be slow and gradual with sufficient time between phases to assess impact and to respond if the epidemiological situation was to deteriorate. It will take account of emerging international and national evidence and experience and with a specific focus on supporting mental health and wellbeing. The Government has agreed that the following areas may be considered if the situation improves sufficiently:
- Some easing of restrictions on outdoor activities and meetings beyond 1 other household.
- Consideration of extending the current 5km limit.
- Staggered start of easing of other areas of activity with a focus on outdoor activities including sport and some areas of construction.
Minister Martin and I will continue our engagement with Sport Ireland and the sporting bodies with a view to bringing proposals at the appropriate time for consideration by Government, in consultation with NPHET and the public health authorities.
307. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the availability of septic tank grants through the local authority system; the number of grants completed by local authorities over the past 12 months; if he will consider rolling out this grant to more homes that are in need of upgrading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11064/21]
View answerFinancial assistance towards the remediation, repair or upgrading works to, or the replacement of a domestic waste water treatment system is available under new and revised grant schemes which launched in June 2020. The schemes are focused on areas of greatest environmental priority rather than general in application. Details of the Terms and Conditions for each scheme can be found on the Department’s website here.
The grant schemes are administered by the local authorities and the following table details the number of grants recouped, by local authority, over the past 12 months:
|
Septic Tanks recouped in 2020 |
|
|
Local Authority |
No of Grants Recouped |
|
Carlow |
1 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
|
Clare |
0 |
|
Cork |
2 |
|
Cork City |
0 |
|
Donegal |
6 |
|
Dublin South |
1 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown |
0 |
|
Fingal |
0 |
|
Galway |
8 |
|
Kerry |
6 |
|
Kildare |
3 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
|
Laois |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
|
Limerick |
4 |
|
Longford |
3 |
|
Louth |
0 |
|
Mayo |
19 |
|
Meath |
21 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
|
Offaly |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
6 |
|
Sligo |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
1 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
3 |
|
Wexford |
23 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
|
Total |
112 |
In implementing the revised arrangements, my Department has undertaken to conduct a review of the grant schemes after one year of operation to ensure their alignment with policy objectives.
308. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the mechanisms in place to support the housing needs of survivors of mother and baby homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11580/21]
View answerIn responding to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters) and to the concerns of former residents, the Government committed to preparing a Strategic Action Plan. In doing so, the Government committed to a survivor-centred approach, characterised by continuous and enhanced engagement with former residents and their representative groups, including the survivor diaspora, on the development and implementation of the strategic plan and associated policy responses.
The Action Plan will also consider the need for any potential liaison support in relation to local authority services and my Department will work with local authorities in relation to such supports.
Any person who wishes to seek housing supports should apply in the first instance to their local authority for assessment for such supports. The local authority then makes an assessment of their housing requirements, taking into account medical issues or any other issues which are relevant to same, and advises them of their entitlements accordingly.
309. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the second bridge and southern relief route for Newbridge, County Kildare; the recent progress; his plans to bring the project to fruition; the target date for opening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11899/21]
View answerUnder Call 2 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), which was launched last year, Kildare County Council submitted an application seeking support for the project in question.
There were a large number of proposals received under Call 2, with every local authority submitting at least one application. Because of the nature of the URDF programme the proposals are very complex, and each requires detailed assessment.
The assessment process for proposals received under Call 2 is nearing completion, and I intend to soon announce a new tranche of URDF supported proposals, which will augment the existing pipeline of projects from Call 1 and contribute to the achievement of Programme for Government commitments and the objectives of the National Planning Framework and Project Ireland 2040.
310. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on providing grants to community centres and community sports centres to install rainwater harvesting systems in order to reduce their usage of treated water; the reason such supports are not in place at the moment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11937/21]
View answerPromoting the efficient and sustainable use of water is a central component of effective water policy. The Water Services Policy Statement 2018-2025 sets out the range of policy objectives across the key thematic areas of quality, conservation and future proofing that will be pursued between now and 2025. The Policy Statement supports the promotion of water conservation and water resource management as an important element of water services policy that is to be reflected in strategic investment planning by Irish Water. For the period of the Policy Statement, this will involve the prioritisation of multifaceted programmes around leak detection and repair, network improvements, cost effective metering, public awareness campaigns and funding to the 'Find and Fix' scheme for addressing domestic customer leaks.
The concentration on leakage reduction first and foremost will ensure the greatest return on capital investment in terms of the overall impact on conserving water supplies and reducing the overall demand for treated water. Accordingly, there are no plans at present to introduce a grant scheme along the lines suggested.
It is worth noting that non-domestic customers of Irish Water, including community centres and sports centres, are charged by Irish Water for their use of water services based on their actual metered consumption. This is in keeping with Ireland's obligations under the Water Framework Directive. It is understood that some sports organisations may already have arrangements in place to capture and store rainwater for use for purposes (such as watering green areas) which do not require potable water. By doing so they are conserving the use of treated water and reducing their water bills. It is a matter for the property owners or trustees concerned to consider whether rainwater harvesting makes economic sense in their particular case.
It may be helpful to note that while water sustainability systems (e.g. rain water recovery systems, grey water usage, etc.) are not mandatory, they are being used increasingly in homes and buildings, and my Department has ensured that appropriate standards are referenced under Part H – Drainage and Waste Water Disposal – of the Building Regulations and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document H 2010. My Department also publishes design guidance for local authorities - Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities – which emphasises environmental sustainability and resource efficiency. The influence of this guidance extends beyond social housing provision to provide an important reference point in promoting sustainability issues generally.
311. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if traffic and parking wardens are categorised as essential workers. [11939/21]
View answerUnder section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, the Chief Executive of the Council is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority.
Local Authorities continue to deliver essential services, part of which includes traffic management which requires the attendance of traffic and parking wardens in the workplace. Illegal parking can endanger or obstruct others on the road, especially pedestrians or cyclists. Poorly parked vehicles can pose a particular issue for wheelchair users, those who are visually impaired, parents with prams and they can also obstruct access for emergency vehicles.
312. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to a request to extend the hedge cutting ban until 17 March 2021, to take account of the fact that Irish farmland has experienced a prolonged period of heavy rainfall during the months of January and February (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11972/21]
View answerThe dates for the cutting of hedges are set down in primary legislation. Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts Act prohibits the cutting of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August. I do not have the discretion to extend this period into March.
There is provision in the legislation for certain exemptions in respect of cutting vegetation in the ordinary course of agriculture or forestry, for health and safety reasons, the destruction of noxious weeds and for cutting roadside hedges for road safety reasons.
As the dates are set out in primary legislation, I have no power or discretion to vary these dates; the season may only be extended by primary legislation enacted by the Oireachtas.
313. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if persons living in temporary accommodation due to household construction are exempt from level 5 restrictions banning construction. [11989/21]
View answer330. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the construction of single residential units can recommence safely in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11311/21]
View answer342. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no exemption under Covid-19 restrictions for construction work to take place when to not do so would lead to damage of a property such as the replacing of a roof on a building; the steps being taken to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11756/21]
View answer350. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will respond to queries raised in correspondence (details supplied) in respect of one-off rural housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11996/21]
View answer351. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a person (details supplied) is permitted to contract construction workers for a house completion. [12013/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 313, 330, 342, 350 and 351 together.
The Government announced that additional public health restrictions would apply under Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 on 6 January 2021. The additional restrictions required all construction activity to cease from 6pm on Friday 8 January, with a number of exceptions. These measures are set out in The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020 (as amended).
With regard to private housing development, the Regulations provide that housing and construction works ongoing on 8 January could continue where the works required to render the property capable of occupation were scheduled for completion by 31 January 2021. The Regulations also provide for the supply and delivery of essential or emergency maintenance and repair services to businesses and homes (including electrical, gas, oil, plumbing, glazing and roofing services) on an emergency call-out basis.
On 23 February, the Government announced that the current level 5 restrictions will remain in place until 5 April 2021, when the easing of restrictions relating to construction will be considered.
314. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications granted in each of the years 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021, for foreshore licences for seaweed harvesting by county in tabular form; and the locations in which such licences were granted. [12091/21]
View answer315. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications received, refused and granted in each of the years 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021, for foreshore licences for seaweed harvesting in County Donegal in tabular form; and the locations within County Donegal in which such licences were granted or refused. [12092/21]
View answer316. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the process by which a foreshore licence for seaweed harvesting is applied for; if there is a need for public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12093/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 314 to 316, inclusive, together.
Detailed information relating to the Foreshore Licence Consenting process can be viewed on my Department's website at the link below. Details of each application made and relevant determinations are also available there.
A total of eight (8) foreshore licence applications to harvest seaweed have been received from 2018 to 2021, as per table below. No foreshore licences for seaweed harvesting have been granted in any county in the years 2018 to 2020 and none have been granted to date in 2021.
Number of applications to harvest Seaweed by Year and County received:
|
Year |
County |
Number |
|
2018 |
Donegal |
2 |
|
2019 |
Kerry |
1 |
|
Cork |
2 |
|
|
Galway |
1 |
|
|
Waterford |
1 |
|
|
2021 |
Cork |
1 |
|
Total 8 |
317. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of the review of siting and size conditions for rooftop solar panels on homes, and the review of exemptions for educational and community buildings as part of the current development of interim planning regulations; the details of the stated need to consider environmental assessment reporting before finalisation; when the interim planning regulations will be submitted to the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11011/21]
View answer332. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of the review by his Department of siting and size conditions for rooftop solar panels on homes and the review of exemptions for educational and community buildings, as part of the current development of interim planning regulations; the details of the stated need to consider environmental assessment reporting before finalisation; when the interim planning regulations will be submitted to the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11401/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 317 and 332 together.
Under the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Section 4 of the Act and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended (the Regulations), set out various exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission. Any such exemptions are subject to compliance with any general restrictions on exemptions set out in the Act or the Regulations and to the specific conditions set out in each class of exempted development in Schedule 2 of the Regulations. Included in the specific exemptions set out in the Regulations are those applying to the installation of solar infrastructure on a variety of building types, including houses, businesses, industrial and agricultural.
As part of the Climate Action Plan 2019, my Department is currently undertaking a review of the solar panel exemptions, and is actively engaging with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications as well as other key stakeholders, with a view to finalising a proposal for draft amending Regulations to reflect, inter alia, technical developments in the sector. One of the key considerations of the review is to ensure that solar panels can be erected - subject to certain siting and size conditions - without the need to obtain planning permission, thereby facilitating more widespread generation of renewable energy for self-consumption. Also included in this review are solar panel exemptions for educational and community buildings.
The main outstanding issue that remains to be addressed in the current review is the potential for "glint and glare" impacts for aircraft and the need to ensure that they do not result in any real or potential threat to aviation safety. Accordingly, my Department is presently engaging with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications as well as the Irish Aviation Authority, in order to find a safe and workable solution in relation to this particular aspect of the review. My Department has begun the tendering process for this project, which will involve the development of aviation safeguarding maps for each airport/aerodrome in the country, and has received feedback from potential tenderers estimating a timeline of up to 9 months for its completion. As such, these maps, which are a fundamental aspect of any amendments to the exemptions, are expected to be finalised in Q3 2021.
In recognition of the length of time that it is expected to take to complete the aviation safeguarding maps, my Department has decided to adopt an interim measure which would allow revised regulations to be introduced prior to the completion of these maps, but with defined exclusion zones around airports and aerodromes for solar installations. My Department is consulting with the Irish Aviation Authority on this matter, and is working towards the development of draft regulations in this regard, the precise details of which have yet to be finalised.
As required under planning legislation, any such proposed exempted development regulations must be laid in draft form before the Houses of the Oireachtas and receive a positive resolution from both Houses before they can be made. The draft regulations will also be subject to screening under the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive 2001/42/EC to determine whether they are likely to have significant environmental effects. If there are significant effects, the undertaking of an SEA will be required, which will include public consultation.
The process for finalising the interim solar panel planning exemptions as referred to above, with exclusion zones around airports and aerodromes, is now expected to be completed by the end of Q1 2021, with the interim regulations expected to be submitted to the Oireachtas in the coming weeks. These interim regulations will allow for the vast majority of the country to be covered by the solar panel exemptions apart from those areas in close proximity to airports and aerodromes.
The overall process for updating the solar panel planning exemptions to include the completed aviation safeguarding maps for airports and aerodromes is still expected to be completed by Q4 2021.
