Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2023
310. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has the authority under the Planning and Development Act 2000 to make regulations providing that the installation of solar photovoltaic or solar thermal collector panels be a condition for planning permission to be granted for car parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3159/23]
View answerI wish to explain at the outset that my role as Minister in relation to the planning system is primarily, to provide a policy and legislative framework under which the planning authorities, An Bord Pleanála (the Board) and the Office of the Planning Regulator (the OPR) perform their statutory planning functions. The legislative framework chiefly comprises the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended (the 2000 Act), and the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as amended (the 2001 Regulations). My Department has also issued Planning guidelines (available on my Department’s website www.housing.gov.ie) under section 28 of the 2000 Act, which planning authorities and the Board are obliged to have regard to in the exercise of their planning functions.
The day-to-day operation of the planning system is, however, a matter for the planning authorities and for the Board in relation to planning appeals and Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID). Under the 2000 Act, the decision as to whether to grant permission on a planning application, with or without conditions, is a matter for the relevant planning authority or the Board.
In making decisions on a planning application, a planning authority, or the Board as appropriate, must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area having regard to the provisions of the development plan, any submissions or observations received from the public and the statutory consultees, and any relevant Ministerial or Government policies as well as any guidelines issued by my Department.
My Department is the lead on the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The EPBD is currently under review and a proposal for the deployment of solar energy installations on buildings is included. I am supportive of this proposal and will work with all stakeholders on its development and implementation when adopted.
