Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

219. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the reason there are no official planning guidelines at national level for the development of solar farms; if he plans to introduce such formal guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45627/24]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

226. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to develop solar energy development guidelines to be circulated to planning authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45683/24]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 226 together.

It is the case that, as with the vast majority of development types, there are currently no specific planning guidelines in place in respect of solar energy developments. Proposals for individual solar energy developments are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the same manner as other proposed developments, with planning applications made to the relevant local planning authority, or An Bord Pleanála on appeal.

Within the wider national and local planning context, planning authorities must make their decisions based on the specific merits of individual planning applications. In making decisions on a planning application, including in respect of a solar energy development, a planning authority, or the Board as appropriate, must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the development plan including any zoning objectives, any submissions or observations received from the public and statutory consultees, and any relevant Ministerial or Government policies, including any guidelines issued by my Department.

While my Department is satisfied that the planning code is sufficiently robust to facilitate the assessment of individual planning applications for solar energy developments, the matter is being kept under review. Where the need for specific planning guidelines for solar energy developments is identified, my Department will develop such guidance as appropriate.