Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is clear in the first instance that, through the climate action plan and the national planning framework, counties should provide clarity in terms of where they will achieve their targets in order to meet our national climate action obligations. Those targets can be achieved through a large number of renewable energy options, for example, biomass, solar farms and wind energy. It is up to counties to be specific. The Office of the Planning Regulator is an independent office. The planning regulator's job is to examine national plans - the climate action plan and the national planning framework - and regional strategies and determine whether there is a shared vision running through them right down to the county development plans.

The new regulations, when they are updated, will provide our councillors and citizens with protection and enhanced guidelines on how we can achieve our renewable energy targets in a safe way that respects the will of our communities.

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