Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

Once again, I wish to say that the health concerns of people and making sure any developments we bring about are compliant with people's health and well-being is absolutely important. I appreciate the Deputy saying that he sees the benefit of the guidelines. I share his view on this. Having clarity on this would be helpful for people, including with regard to solar, by the way. When I go around the country, people say, "Hang on, is that a good use of that field? Is that not prime agricultural land?" We need to make a call once and for all. By the way, when we publish the guidelines, as is often the case, I am not saying everyone will be delighted with them. It will probably be far from it but at least we will have clarity and an opportunity for public consultation. We need to call it and get on with it, and that is what the two Departments are working on.

On the issue of anaerobic digesters, there are, as the Deputy knows, priority deliverables under the new strategy. Specifically, there are actions 5f and 5g. They refer to the development of planning guidelines to support local authorities when assessing planning applications in relation to these plants, and a review of resourcing requirements to key Government agencies to support the development of the industry. They are two priority actions that will be delivered through collaboration among key Departments and agencies.

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