Solar Energy Guidelines

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022

Tuesday, 31 May 2022

Ceisteanna (229)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

229. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the policies which exist in relation to the development of solar farms in rural areas; if there are guidelines in relation to the maximum size relative to the area; if not, if he has any plans to develop such guidelines or policies given the rise in applications for solar farms in rural Ireland; if an analysis has been carried out in relation to the potential benefits and detriments of the development of such farms on prime agricultural land; if an analysis has been carried out by his Department on the estimated cost to the local community of the change of use of agricultural land to solar farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27357/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

As is the case with the large majority of development types, there are currently no specific planning guidelines in place in respect of solar farms. Proposals for individual solar farm developments are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the same manner as other proposed developments, with planning applications made to the relevant local planning authority and with a right of appeal to An Bord Pleanála. 

Within the wider national and local planning context, planning authorities must make their decisions based on the specific merits or otherwise of individual planning applications. 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 including any zoning objectives, any submissions or observations received from the public and the statutory consultees, and any relevant Ministerial or Government policies, including any guidelines issued by my Department.

While the Department is satisfied that the planning code is sufficiently robust to facilitate the assessment of individual planning applications for solar farm developments, the matter is being kept under review. Where the need for specific planning guidance for solar farms is identified, my Department will develop such guidance as appropriate.