Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will remove the present planning restrictions in relation to the installation of solar panels for renewable energy in domestic dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16597/06]

Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will remove existing planning restrictions to enable the installation of renewable energy systems for domestic users without planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16595/06]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will remove the present planning restrictions in relation to the installation of wind turbines for renewable energy in domestic dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16598/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 78 and 104 together.

Many domestic renewable energy developments, including the placing of solar panels to the rear of houses, would be exempted development. Section 4(1)(h) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, provides that development consisting of the carrying out of works for the maintenance, improvement or other alteration of any structure is exempted development if the works affect only the interior of the structure or do not materially affect the external appearance of the structure so as to render the appearance inconsistent with the character of the structure or of neighbouring structures. I have also asked my Department to review the exempted development regulations to ensure that they support the use of renewable energy for domestic and small business users.