Written Answers Nos. 96-114
96. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance if a help-to-buy scheme application by a person (details supplied) is being examined; the projected timeframe for the processing of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24758/21]
View answerThe Help to Buy (HTB) incentive is a scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment as their home. The incentive provides a refund of Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in Ireland over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in the legislation.
As part of the Government’s July 2020 Jobs Stimulus Package the relief available to first-time buyers was temporarily increased (to end 2020) to a maximum of €30,000 where certain conditions were met by the applicants. This temporary increase was further extended to 31 December 2021 in the 2020 Finance Act.
I am advised by Revenue that the HTB application submitted by the persons in question has already been approved under ‘stage 1’ of the process. Revenue has also confirmed that it has made direct contact with the persons to advise them on the requirements that must be completed to progress their claim under ‘stage 2’ of the process. Revenue also provided them with contact details should they encounter any further difficulties.
97. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Finance if restaurant and bar owners providing outdoor dining services will be able to continue to avail of the employment wage subsidy scheme when they are permitted to reopen from 7 June (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24761/21]
View answerThe Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is an economy-wide scheme that is open to all sectors. It focuses primarily on business eligibility, delivering a per-head subsidy on a flat rate basis to the employer. The objective of the EWSS is to support businesses, encourage employment and help to maintain the link between employers and employees. The EWSS has been a key component of the Government’s response to the continued Covid-19 crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment in the midst of these very challenging times. To date, payments of over €3 billion and PRSI credit of over €500 million have been granted to 48,900 employers in respect of 558,000 workers.
The EWSS “turnover test” has been specifically designed so as to target the subsidy at otherwise viable employers whose businesses continue to be adversely impacted by Covid-19 by requiring a comparison of the firm’s pre-pandemic operations with their current operations. The primary employer qualification for the EWSS is based on the employer's turnover in the current six-month period being less, compared with the same pre-pandemic position period in 2019. The legislation provides that the employer must be able to demonstrate that it is operating at no more than 70% in either the turnover of business or the customer orders received by the employer by reference to the period from 1 January to 30 June 2021 compared with the equivalent period in 2019.
To answer the specific point raised in the Deputy's question, the turnover qualification requirement for EWSS applies regardless of whether the business is required to close fully or partially due to public health restrictions, or indeed if the business could remain open throughout the pandemic. The “turnover test” is the determining factor as regards eligibility for the EWSS and accordingly, the business must have suffered at least a 30% decrease in its turnover and this disruption is due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The EWSS is designed to be flexible for the employer and take account of potentially sudden changes in turnover so if there is a reduction in turnover in the future because of a change in circumstance the employer may be entitled to make a claim for that later period.
With the agreement by Government on the revised plan, COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead, a cautious and measured approach will be taken as we lay the foundations for the full recovery of social life, public services and the economy. It is therefore appropriate that key business supports should remain in place until the end of June 2021.
As the revised plan is implemented, the EWSS will play an important role in getting people back to work as public health restrictions are eased, thereby reducing the numbers dependent on social welfare payments over time, including the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).
The Government’s position remains that there will be no cliff-edge to the EWSS. Consideration is being given to the fact that continued support could be necessary out to the end of 2021 to help maintain viable businesses and employment and to provide businesses with certainty to the maximum extent possible. Decisions on the form of such support will take account of emerging circumstances and economic conditions as they become clearer.
The Government will continue to assess the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy and I will continue to work with Ministerial colleagues to ensure that appropriate supports are in place to mitigate these effects.
98. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance his views on a payment system (details supplied) being proposed by Ireland's main financial institutions; his views on whether it may affect competition within the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24821/21]
View answerFirstly, it should be noted that this proposed joint venture is subject to approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and as such it is not appropriate for me to comment on this proposed joint venture in more detail. I understand the CCPC will complete a detailed and robust examination and subsequently either approve, approve subject to commitments or block the proposed transaction.
I am informed by officials in the Central Bank of Ireland that any new arrangement must obtain the required regulatory approval and/or be held to the relevant oversight standards by the competent authority, if applicable. With regard to latter, the Eurosystem recently published information on a proposed harmonised oversight framework to meet the challenges posed by the evolving nature of the retail payment system. The proposed oversight framework for electronic payment instruments, schemes and arrangements (PISA) is based on the Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures (PFMIs). Under the PFMIs a payment arrangement should have objective, risk-based and publicly disclosed criteria for participation, which permit fair and open access.
99. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance the amount expended by his Department on advertising and awareness raising initiatives related to Covid-19 from March 2020 to date in 2021; the print, online and broadcasting media organisations contracted to provide this service; the amount provided to each in the timeframe concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24928/21]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the Department of Finance has no record of any spend on advertising in relation to Covid-19 awareness raising initiatives from 1st March 2020 to date.
100. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to fulfil the programme for Government commitment to prioritise green finance strategic actions that are developed in line with climate justice targets and sustainable development goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25167/21]
View answerIreland has traditionally been a strong supporter of sustainable finance initiatives, and the Irish Government has long recognised the need for action on these initiatives both to take advantage of the associated opportunities and to address the need for transition from unsustainable practices. Reflecting this, sustainable finance is a specific horizontal priority within the Government’s current strategy for the further development of the international financial services sector, ‘Ireland for Finance’.
The Strategy aims to make Ireland a leader in the field, in particular through further enhancing and deepening the base of expertise and activity in sustainable finance that we already have here.
To this end, the Ireland for Finance Action Plan 2021 has 10 (from the 46 overall) action measures which will progress the sustainable finance agenda. These include the development and delivery of training and education programmes to build capacity and expertise in the industry in Ireland, as well as a ‘deep dive’ into Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) data needs to measure progress and identify barriers in advancing this agenda. Additionally, an assessment of outstanding issues with identifying and managing biodiversity impacts, dependencies and associated financial sector risks is being undertaken.
More broadly Ireland has been active with an increasingly important role in international efforts to accelerate the sustainable finance agenda, including through our role in the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, and the Central Bank’s involvement with the international Network for Greening the Financial System.
This is in addition to my Department's input and work across International Financial Institutions (IFIs) such as the IMF and World Bank where sustainable finance and climate action are central areas of interest especially in the development of post-Covid recovery measures. Other IFIs such as the European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), where Ireland is an active member, are implementing strategies for the coming decades to ensure that at least 40% of their funding for new projects will be climate-related as part of an overall objective of transitioning to green low carbon economies by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
At EU level, I welcome the work being undertaken by the EU Commission in developing a renewed strategy for sustainable finance, in particular by progressing the transition by boosting sustainable investments and by moving sustainable finance beyond climate objectives.
Similarly, the EU’s Green Taxonomy regulation, and the disclosures directive, which will form the cornerstone of the new regulatory regime, are major steps forward. Their implementation will be instrumental in identifying, measuring and helping remove barriers to the advancement of our common sustainable goals in the years ahead.
101. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount expended by his Department on advertising and awareness raising initiatives related to Covid-19 from March 2020 to date in 2021; the print, online and broadcasting media organisations contracted to provide this service; the amount provided to each in the timeframe concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24933/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has had no expenditure of this nature.
102. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works has advanced proposals to install CCTV cameras at Clare Abbey, County Clare to curb ongoing vandalism and destruction of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24970/21]
View answerThe Commissioners of Public Works have advised that there are a number of issues at Clare Abbey which renders the installation of a full CCTV system at the site impractical ; these include a lack of land ownership at the site, the lack of a power supply and possible threat to archaeology if cabling were to be installed.
While wires-free options are available, there are a number of logistical issues associated with them, not least, compliance with GDPR legislation, which need to be overcome and these are actively under review at present.
103. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he is taking to fulfil the programme for Government commitment to direct a proportion of the proceeds of the carbon tax towards climate-focused measures in the agri-food sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25140/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government recognises the special economic and social role that agriculture plays in Ireland, but also commits to the creation of schemes that will encourage and incentivise farmers to farm in a greener and more sustainable way. This is with the aim of developing a sustainable Irish agricultural sector that protects the environment and aligns with emerging consumer sentiment, while benefiting farmers and rural communities
The Programme for Government commits to the allocation of €1.5bn in projected carbon tax receipts over the next ten years for this purpose. The first step in meeting this commitment was in Budget 2021 through the allocation of €20m in anticipated additional carbon tax receipts for the creation of pilot environmental programmes. This was supplemented with the continuation of the €3m in funding that was provided for agricultural programmes from carbon tax receipts in 2020, bringing the total funding for carbon tax supported measures in the agricultural sector to €23m in 2021.
These funds will be used to create an innovative, results-based pilot scheme for farmers who improve the bio-diversity and carbon management of their land, by undertaking specific actions which they report directly based on the results generated from their actions.
The use of carbon funds in 2021 was detailed in the Budget Day publication "The Use of Carbon Tax Funds 2021" which continues to be available on the budget.gov.ie website. Carbon tax funding in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine is allocated to a specific sub-head, B.13, against which progress on spending the allocated funds can be tracked.
Questions regarding the operational details of the pilot programmes should be directed to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine.
104. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if grants are available for the upgrading of tourist boats (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24763/21]
View answerThe matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to them for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
105. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there are supports available for local groups to erect monuments as part of the Decade of Centenaries programme. [24782/21]
View answerMy role as Minister with responsibility for leading the coordination of the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2023 Programme is to help ensure that the challenging events of this important and formative period in our history and related themes, are meaningfully, proportionately and sensitively remembered.
On 16 December 2020, I announced funding of €1.75 million for local authorities in 2021, to support their leading role in developing community-led commemorative activities, for the final phase of the Decade of Centenaries Programme.
The provision or maintenance of memorials, erection of monuments, plaques, busts or statues and the production of commemorative medals or pins are not currently supported under my Department's funding allocation.
The guidance of the Expert Advisory Group (EAG) on Centenary Commemorations advises that local commemorative endeavours could helpfully focus on acknowledging the significance of the event or action, rather than on the individual personalities involved, which would be a matter for personal commemoration and personal remembrance. The Group advocates that the emphasis must always be on remembrance and commemoration of locally significant historical events and the avoidance of any sense of celebration. My Department has developed comprehensive guidance for the allocation of funding to assist local authorities. However, it is, of course, within the discretion of individual local authorities to provide support from within their own resources to local communities who wish to erect and maintain monuments, where this is deemed the appropriate approach.
It is anticipated that local authorities will receive a number of requests from commemorative committees and community groups seeking support for the erection of monuments and other memorials as we navigate through the sensitive forthcoming period of commemorations. While we recognise that these incidents and actions are undoubtedly of great local significance in the narrative of the part played by individual counties during the Struggle for Independence and Civil War, this is just one element within the Community Strand of the overall Decade of Centenaries Programme.
There is scope for a rich diversity of interesting and engaging commemorative initiatives to be curated from within the annual funding allocation from my Department to each of the local authorities. The provision or maintenance of monuments, memorials, plaques, busts, or statues, is not, however, eligible for funding under the Community Strand of the Decade of Centenaries Programme from my Department’s funding.
106. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider developing and promoting Ireland as the new and automatic events hub for the European tour events crewing industry (details supplied) given that the UK is outside of the EU post Brexit, and in view of Ireland's international reputation in arts and culture; if a fund will be made available to that end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24853/21]
View answerIn 2021, in order to support and develop the arts, culture, audio-visual and live entertainment sectors in Ireland Government has committed additional resources of €135m representing a 74% increase on the allocation at the outset of 2020. These funds support artists, arts organisations and production companies to sustain through this crisis period and make a vital contribution to the recovery of our society.
This additional funding includes a €25 million allocation for the Live Performance Support Scheme, part of a €50m suite of measures to support the live entertainment sector and provide vital support and opportunities for continued activity in the sector. The measures are aimed at providing significant job contracts for all workers in the live entertainment sector, including musicians, actors, crew and technicians. The supports in place also ensure that artists and arts workers will be well placed to avail of international opportunities once it is safe to do so thereby reaffirming Ireland's global cultural reputation.
The Government encourages the development of sustainable, high skilled sectors that add productive value though domestic and international activity. Ireland is constantly developing our European relations for the benefit of artists and professionals. In relation to European touring by artists and professionals, Ireland is currently represented through Music From Ireland's Vice Chairmanship of the European Music Exporters Exchange. They have delivered a comprehensive report to the European Commission which aims to generate new knowledge and approaches to European music export through research and innovative pilot actions and are currently working on the delivery of an Export Toolbox for European artists and professionals. Details are available on the following link: https://www.europeanmusic.eu/2020/12/implementing-steps-to-develop-and-promote-european-music-export/.
107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the progress to date in determining eligibility for the live performance support scheme in the case of a company (details supplied); when a decision is likely to issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24859/21]
View answerThe Live Performance Support Scheme 2021 (LPSS 2021) was launched to assist in the employment of artists, performers, technicians, support staff and musicians of all genres in the commercial live performance sector by promoters, producers and venues. By the closing date of 14 April 2021, 400 applications were received seeking grants of €80 million. Given the available funding of €25 million, it will not be possible to award grants to everyone who applied. As a result, the LPSS 2021 is a competitive scheme.
I recognise the enormous work and effort that went into all applications by the hundreds of producers, promoters and venues that have applied and my Department will ensure that all proposals received from all applicants, including the company referred to by the Deputy, will be examined and assessed with due care and consideration and .
It is Departmental policy to ensure that every application is treated fairly and impartially and is given an equal chance of success. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application at the same time.
108. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of a proposal for a three-year pilot scheme of a universal basic income for artists, writers and musicians proposed by the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24864/21]
View answerThe Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce report titled Life Worth Living, was published in November 2020 and made ten recommendations for the sector. The recommendations included a proposal to pilot a basic income scheme for a three-year period in the arts, culture, audiovisual and live performance and events sectors. The Taskforce was of the view that a pilot basic income would keep the sector intact, minimising the loss of skills and contributing to its gradual regrowth, with ongoing benefits: social and economic, local and national.
I believe the arts sector represents an appropriate area for a pilot basic income scheme for many reasons. It is characterised by low, precarious and often seasonal income. Artistic and creative work is intrinsically valuable to society; it includes a broad mix of employment types. This is an exciting proposal and has been the subject of positive commentary both nationally and internationally. We can now work to see how it can be enhanced.
I have established an Oversight Group with the remit of addressing the outstanding recommendations of Life Worth Living. The membership of the Group is drawn from departments and agencies which have the ability and wherewithal to make appropriate progress on the outstanding recommendations, and to whom recommendations of the Taskforce are addressed.
The Oversight Group is being chaired by my Department joined by representatives of the Departments of Finance, Social Protection, Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Public Expenditure and Reform as well as Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Directors of the Arts Council and Screen Ireland are also members and they will be joined by a representative of the County and City Managers Association.
I have asked the Oversight Group to prioritise the examination of Recommendation 1, a basic income for artists. I have engaged with relevant Ministerial colleagues on this matter and they have indicated their support for developing proposals. This would be independent of the work of the Low Pay Commission which has been tasked by my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to examine the Programme for Government commitment to pilot a Universal Basic Income within the lifetime of this Government commitment. I intend therefore to proceed with the development of proposals for a basic income for artists as a matter of priority.
Separately, the Programme for Government contained a commitment to request the Low Pay Commission to examine Universal Basic Income, informed by a review of previous international pilots, and resulting in a universal basic income pilot in the lifetime of the Government.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has requested the Low Pay Commission to examine the commitment in the Programme for Government and the Commission has agreed that this request will form part of its workplan for 2021. The terms of reference for the study on Universal Basic Income are currently being finalised by the Commission and research is due to begin shortly.
109. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount expended by her Department on advertising and awareness raising initiatives related to Covid-19 from March 2020 to date in 2021; the print, online and broadcasting media organisations contracted to provide this service; the amount provided to each in the timeframe concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24937/21]
View answerI have been informed by officials in my Department that no funding has been allocated to, or contracts entered into for awareness raising campaigns or advertising relating to COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.
My Department is actively engaged in delivering COVID-19 communications with the public and with stakeholders through various channels. This work is carried out in-house by the communications team and other teams within the Department. Communications activities are very important at this time and cost effectiveness is always a factor in my Department’s plans.
As part of its policy response to the crisis, my Department has supported a range of measures to provide for content which would normally be presented to live audiences, to be made available online.
110. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when a file (details supplied) that requires Ministerial consent will be signed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25031/21]
View answerMy Department has been engaging with Wexford County Council with a view to ensuring that the leisure centre referred to by the Deputy remains in sporting use and it is hoped that all matters will be finalised shortly. The Deputy should note that I, nor my Department, have any role regarding operator contracts for leisure centres.
111. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if water activities such as boat trips are included in the outdoor activity fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25123/21]
View answerI understand that the Deputy is referring to the second platform under Fáilte Ireland's Platforms for Growth capital investment programme. Through the grants scheme for this platform, Fáilte Ireland will provide €19m in funding to Local Authorities for the specific purpose of developing activity facilities centres in 22 selected waterside locations around the country, where water-based activities are a key visitor attraction. As the administration of the relevant programme is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland I have asked them to provide further information to the Deputy. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
112. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if applications for the large-scale sport infrastructure fund 2018 to 2028 are closed; if Dublin City Council can make a late application under stream 2 before 2025 or 2028; and her plans to introduce a new large-scale sport infrastructure fund after 2028. [25169/21]
View answerThe Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, including swimming pools, with at least €100m being made available over the period to 2027. The first call for proposals opened for applications on 19th November 2018 and closed on 17th April 2019. Following a detailed assessment process, approximately €86.4m has been awarded to date to 33 different projects.
While it is not proposed to open the LSSIF for new applications at present, my Department is undertaking a review of the fund which is expected to be complete in the coming months. This review will consider, inter alia, progress on all existing grants and whether any additional grants should be awarded. The timing of any new call for proposals will also be considered. Any new allocations or a new call for proposals, whether Stream 1 or 2 in, will be dependent on receiving additional funding for the LSSIF following the completion of the review of the National Development Plan.
113. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide updated guidelines for private music and drama teachers in anticipation of reopening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25170/21]
View answerThe Arts Council has worked with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to develop guidance for children and young people’s arts and cultural activities. The guidance was recently published on the Arts Council’s website
This guidance will continue to be updated in line with any relevant changes to public health measures in the coming months. This guidance was reviewed by the Department’s external Health and Safety advisors to ensure compliance with:
- The Government’s Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021 – The Path Ahead ;
- The Government’s Stay Safe Guidelines; and
- The Government’s Work Safely Protocols.
The guidelines will assist those engaging in arts and cultural activities with children to provide a safe and controlled environment which will mitigate against the risk of spreading COVID-19. This guidance is a living document, which means that as government restrictions and public-health guidelines evolve, this document will also evolve to reflect new government advice and changes to protocols as they emerge. The Arts Council’s Young People, Children and Education guidance may be used for organised cultural activities for children and young people, including early-childhood arts activities and arts training and education services that are delivered outside of early learning-and-care, formal education and youth-work contexts.
The Guidance is available the following link ;
http://www.artscouncil.ie/uploadedFiles/wwwartscouncilie/Content/Contact_us/COVID-19/YPCE%20C-19%20Reopening%20Guidelines_April%202021.doc.pdf.
Music and drama classes are included with organised indoor and outdoor events. The Path Ahead Framework sets out when it is considered that organised indoor or outdoor events can take place. From 10 May 2021 organised outdoor gatherings with a maximum attendance of 15 people can take place. In all these cases robust protocols and protective measures, including appropriate supervision and capacity limits, should be in place.
The Government’s COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead plan sets out the Government’s objectives for the full recovery of social life, public services and the economy. The government has decided to move ahead with this The Path Ahead plan. We are now in the early stages of the Recovery phase of the pandemic. The decision is based on advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), that a cautious and gradual phased reopening over May and June, with an emphasis on outdoor activity and a moderate increase in social contact, can be considered low to medium risk. NPHET has advised that there is scope to ease a range of public health measures in this manner with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. This allows us to continue through the Recovery phase, focusing on what is safest and generates the most benefit and with a focus on outdoors activities – both social and economic.
114. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if information will be provided on his Department's review of siting and size conditions for rooftop solar panels on homes and review of exemptions for educational and community buildings as part of the current development of interim planning regulations; if further information will be provided on 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. [25271/21]
View answer123. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide information on his Department's review of siting and size conditions for rooftop solar panels on homes and review of exemptions for educational and community buildings as part of the current development of interim planning regulations; if he will provide further information on 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. [24987/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 123 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 planning 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 to which specific conditions are attached.
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 has been 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. The 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.
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 has consulted with the Irish Aviation Authority on this matter, and has developed draft interim regulations in this regard.
These draft regulations have now been reviewed under the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive 2001/42/EC, and it has been determined that they are likely to have significant effects on the environment, necessitating the undertaking of a full SEA on the draft proposals, which will include public consultation as part of the process. This process is expected to take between four and five months to complete.
Following the public consultation and consideration of any submissions received, and as required under planning legislation, the 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 and the SEA process concluded.
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 in Q4 2021. 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.
Work on the development of the aviation safeguarding maps for airports and aerodromes is expected to be completed by Q4 2021. The final supplementary set of regulations will be prepared thereafter and, subject to environmental reporting considerations, will subsequently be laid in draft form before the Houses of the Oireachtas for approval in a timely manner.
