Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 598: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will amend the planning guidelines with regard to solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4063/07]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 599: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will introduce planning guidelines for micro-renewable domestic wind turbines, solar panels as so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4091/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 598 and 599 together.

On 5 November 2006, I published a consultation paper containing proposals to revise the exempted development regulations so as to permit the installation of small wind turbines or solar panels without planning permission in certain circumstances. Following the responses to the consultation paper, I laid draft exempted development regulations for approval before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 25 January. I anticipate that, following early consideration of them by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment and Local Government and approval by both Houses, the Regulations will be finalised shortly.