John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While I do not disagree with the figures provided by the Minister on applications to the grid, the issue is that planning permission has not been secured for many of them. As such, it is not the case that these projects could all commence tomorrow and connect to the grid.

The specific point I am raising is the need to introduce guidelines to manage the development of solar power. An Bord Pleanála stated that we need local and national guidelines and a strategy as otherwise the scenario presented by the Minister will arise in respect of the large number of applications for grid connection. The Government must play a proactive role.

As the Minister indicated when he referred to the application made by the ESB and Bord na Móna, the price of solar modules has fallen by 80% since 2009. This is the driving force behind growth in the sector, which we must manage. Solar power is a renewable source of energy which has a role to play but Government action is required. This is the link in the chain in which I want the Minister to become involved.

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