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

I confirm that, to my knowledge, this is genuinely in response to the Derryadd case of June 2021, when the Attorney General recommended this course of action for wind developments. In terms of custom and practice, under judicial precedent from a number of cases, it is already permitted through the courts in regard to residential development. It was decided, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, not to limit it, thereby including it for all.

Regarding residential developments, it could be attenuation ponds, renewable solar panels, and issues like that, but the specification and details are known and there is full sight of that available. It is only additional options, rather than putting in a series of subsequent planning applications, and that would provide certainty. We are essentially codifying what is already there and has already been permitted previously through the courts.

I confirm that there has been absolutely no lobbying on this. It has come from that specific court case I mentioned and working in consultation with the Attorney General and his office.

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