Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have made the existing and evolving planning system sufficiently robust with regard to large-scale solar developments. Through the revised national planning framework, the Government and the Oireachtas are allocating and integrating the regional spacial and economic strategies.

That in turn will inform city and county development plans and lead to the identification of large-scale solar energy development, which will be directed towards the most appropriate areas.

On the Deputy's more general point regarding the suitability of lands and types of development, there is a commitment to a land use review to ensure land use options are informed by factors relevant to Government decisions, including with regard to renewable energy projects. We want to see a plan-led approach to county development plans, which will now be extended through the revised planning and development Act that will be enacted for a period of ten years. There are no specific guidelines but there is more planning at the early stages.

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