Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand that concern among farmers who see highly productive agricultural land have ground solar put in and that land come out of food production or definitely reduced. As landowners subject to planning and other considerations, farmers have property rights which are protected by the Constitution and a legitimate interest in maximising the income from their holdings. However, it is important that food production is not negatively impacted by the development of solar farms.

The programme for Government has committed to introducing planning guidelines for solar farms and to provide certainty in the development of solar energy in agriculture. While issues regarding planning fall under the remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, my Department will input into the development of these guidelines due to the potential impact on agricultural land. In the meantime, my Department will continue to support farmers to ensure that Ireland maintains its position as a producer of sustainable food with a global reputation for quality.

See this speech in context