Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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61. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his Department is currently reviewing ways to reduce the duplication of planning applications needed to be attained to construct energy generating sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61063/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Planning and Development Act 2024 represents the largest update to Irish planning legislation in a quarter century. The new Act, which was underpinned by a detailed review and advice of the Office of the Attorney General as well as extensive engagement with stakeholders and other relevant Government Departments, contains key reforms aimed at improving confidence, clarity and consistency within the planning system.

There is a clearer distinction between different categories of consents and most importantly there are statutory time periods for decision making for all consent processes, including, for the first time, for An Coimisiún Pleanála. This will bring increased certainty to planning consent processes, for both the public and stakeholders involved in the delivery of key infrastructure such as housing and renewable energy.

New provisions in the Act, such as Government approved National Planning Statements, which will over time replace current s.28 Ministerial Guidelines, will ensure greater consistency across all tiers of planning whilst requirements for environmental assessment for planning have been made clearer for all consenting processes. My Department will be bringing forward National Planning Statements, subject to completing the relevant consultation and environmental assessments in the areas of Wind and Solar Energy, which will further enhance clarity on these matters and approve alignment of national policy and local implementation across all tiers of planning.