Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The Minister for housing has asked me to take this question on his behalf. I am glad to have the opportunity to update the Members of the Dáil on the regulation of large-scale solar energy developments from a planning perspective. With regard to this specific issue, it is the case that, as with the large majority of development types, there are currently no specific planning guidelines in place in respect of solar energy developments. Proposals for individual solar energy 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 in the first instance. In making a decision on a planning application for a solar energy development, a planning authority must consider the specific merits or otherwise of the application in line with 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 the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

With respect to the regulation of solar energy developments more generally, the planning system plays an important role in this regard from both a policy and legislative perspective. From a planning policy perspective, the national planning framework, NPF, 2018 is the long-term strategy for the spatial development of Ireland to 2040 and provides support for renewable energy development. The NPF, which is currently being reviewed, informs a spatial hierarchy of plans that cascade to regional and local levels. The draft revised NPF includes enhanced policy support for renewable energy development, including, in particular, the introduction of regional renewable electricity capacity allocations for solar generation development to achieve the national targets set out in the Climate Action Plan 2024. Subject to final approval of the revised NPF by the Government and the Oireachtas, these allocations will be integrated into regional spatial and economic strategies, which will in turn inform city and county development plans and will lead to the identification of areas where large-scale solar energy development will be directed towards, and areas which may not be appropriate for such development.

From a planning legislation perspective, the Planning and Development Bill 2023, which is expected to be signed into law shortly, will deliver a range of measures to enhance the existing legislative framework. The Bill will provide for the alignment of the plan-making hierarchy to ensure greater consistency between national policy and local implementation, as well as provide greater certainty for stakeholders at all stages of the planning process. On this basis, the Minister is satisfied that the existing and evolving planning system provides a sufficiently robust policy and legislative framework for the regulation of large-scale solar energy development.

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