Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
320. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will develop guidelines for the development of battery stations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14198/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have responsibility for planning policy in my role as Minister for Planning. However policy regarding energy infrastructure including battery storage is not one in which I have any direct statutory function. In this regard, it is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to formulate policy and any technical specifications with regard to battery storage. As the Minister concerned has indicated in replies to Question No. 207 of 3 February 2022 and Question No. 42 of 2 March 2022, his Department is presently formulating policy with regard to battery storage and expects to publish this in 2023. Once the Minister concerned publishes policy on this matter, the planning system (i.e. planning authorities and An Bord Pleanala) shall be required to have regard to such new policy and any associated specifications when making determinations on relevant planning applications and appeals.
In this connection, further to the publication of policy in this area by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, consideration may be given to the need for Section 28 Guidelines for planning authorities in relation to battery storage. The development of any such guidance would necessitate a joint approach with relevant Departments as well as the regulatory authorities responsible. At this point in time and pending the publication of new policy in this area by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, it is not proposed to develop specific section 28 planning guidelines relating to battery storage.
