Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy O'Sullivan for raising the issue. I earlier articulated our deep sense of loss on the passing of Councillor Patrick Gerard Murphy. He was a kind person who made such an impact on his community. I extend our deepest sympathies to his family.

In terms of the large-scale solar farms, first of all, on the energy mix, we do need more solar. There has been a welcome acceleration and growth of solar energy in the country. That is a good thing. On the other hand, there is an emerging issue in terms of the utilisation of very high-quality agricultural land for the purposes of large solar farms. I have asked the Minister with responsibility for the planning area, Deputy James Browne, to review the guidelines, or not so much review as initiate an examination of what guidelines are required. In other countries, they do grade land and then in respect of certain types of land, it is not permissible but other lands it is permissible. The Minister is going to look at that, and it will come back to Government.

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