Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for bringing these regulations to us. They form a very important part of our climate action plan, as he mentioned, and a step towards decarbonisation. I also acknowledge the work of his officials and the negotiation by the IAA to increase the square metres in the zones that were designated for glint and glare. It is a real improvement because it helps schools, farms, factories etc. in those areas. We know solar works really well in this country and the important part it can play. Microgeneration is what we are dealing with mostly today. It is a secure source of energy on people's roofs where the energy is being used at source and at production, which is the best way to use electricity. The measures brought here today remove an unnecessary complexity in trying to put solar panels on roofs, where up to this point it was necessary to go for planning permission, with the costs and hassle involved with that. We remove that if we agree these regulations. That is a very important step and a step toward the decarbonisation of energy in this country, which we need to do quickly, rapidly and at scale.

Some very good research was done recently by MaREI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine in Cork which showed the overall capacity we have on rooftops across Ireland to produce solar electricity and how that will have a positive impact on the security of supply and save people money. These regulations are a very important step and I am glad to see them come before the committee today.