Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
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137. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the huge concerns in the farming and rural communities regarding the haphazard planning applications for solar farms, which will result in the reduction of agricultural land available for use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25111/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government has committed to introducing planning guidelines for solar farms and to provide certainty in the development of solar energy.

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 in the context of the potential impact on agricultural land.

As Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, I am committed to driving sustainable agriculture practices that underpin Ireland’s food sector and contribute more broadly to food security through an export market of €19 billion.

My Department also supports the production of indigenous renewable energy. On-farm renewable energy generation activities offer farm diversification opportunities. It is important to allow farmers to have diversification opportunities to ensure that they can maximise the income from their holdings, maintain viable holdings and protect our family farm tradition. Hence, my Department provides a wide range of supports for a variety of farming activities and sectors.

My Department also has a specific role in ensuring that agricultural lands, as defined under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), are maintained to a high environmental standard as set out under the Cross Compliance framework.

Land submitted for payment under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) must remain under agricultural management for the duration of the scheme year. My Department also ensures that the required environmental and sustainability practices are implemented on agricultural land in Ireland.