Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As with the vast majority of development types, there are currently no specific planning guidelines in place in respect of solar energy development. 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. Planning applications are made to the relevant local planning authority, or An Bord Pleanála on appeal.

Within the wider national and local planning context, planning authorities must make their decisions based on the specific merits of individual planning applications. In making such decisions, including in respect of a large-scale solar energy development, a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála, as appropriate, must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the development plan, including any zoning objectives, submissions or observations received from the public and statutory consultees and any other relevant ministerial or Government policies, including any guidelines issued by the Department. While the Department is satisfied that the planning code is sufficiently robust to facilitate the assessment of individual planning applications for solar energy developments, the matter is being kept under review.

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