James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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233. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has undertaken any analysis on the rapid development of large-scale solar farms ranging upwards of 1,000 acres on productive agriculture lands in Ireland; if his Department has considered on how it may impact the agri-food industry, in particular, the stability of Ireland’s dairy industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8520/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government contains a number of commitments around renewable energy. This is being led by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication.

The Government has committed to introduce planning guidelines for solar farms and provide certainty in the development of solar energy in agriculture. While issues regarding planning fall under the remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, my Department will input into the development of these guidelines due to the potential impact on agricultural land.

In order to meet our climate targets, the promotion of renewable energy will be a critical delivery. Renewable energy in the agriculture sector can offer diversification opportunities for farmers but at the same time I want to ensure that Ireland's food production capabilities are not negatively impacted as a result of the potential development of solar farms.

James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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234. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has considered in categorising lands suitable for large-scale solar projects by taking into consideration on the basis of their suitability for commercial agriculture; if his Department has considered the context of mapping the risk of mass transfers of agricultural land usage away from food production to commercial solar developments; if his Department has raised the matter of the EU’s Land Use Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8521/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is a world class producer of sustainable agri-food produce, with an export value of €19 billion in 2024 and accounts for 6% of employment. As Minister for Agriculture, I am committed to supporting industry ensure food security, vibrant rural economies and the viability of family farm incomes.

The Government has committed to introduce planning guidelines for solar farms which will provide certainty in the development of solar energy in agriculture. Planning is under the remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. However, my Department will input into the development of these guidelines due to the potential impact on Agricultural land.

My officials will continue to engage on land use policy both nationally and at EU level in relation to this key issue.