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For Written Answer on : 09/09/2024
Question Number(s): 875 Question Reference(s): 35639/24
Department: Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 630 of 25 July 2023, if he has reflected on the possible need to develop specific planning guidelines for solar farms; if he plans to make any decisions in this regard in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
It remains the case that, as with the large 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 and with a right of appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
Within the wider national and local planning context, planning authorities must make their decisions based on the specific merits or otherwise of individual planning applications. In making decisions on a planning application, 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 the 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 guidance for solar farms is identified, my Department will develop such guidance as appropriate.
