Irish Solar Energy Association: Hundreds of solar farms in development across Ireland
An analysis published by the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) found that around 390 solar farms are in various stages of development around the country. Solar energy is a fast-growing industry in Ireland, with the number of people working in the area expected to rise to 7,100 nationally in the next five to six years. The provision of these solar farms will contribute to the 8GW solar energy target by 2030, as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2024.
Terms approved for Ireland’s second offshore wind auction
The Government has approved the terms and conditions for the State’s second offshore wind auction. The Tonn Nua site off the coast of Waterford has the potential to facilitate up to 900MW of offshore wind energy. The bidding process is expected to take place early next year under the Offshore Renewable Energy Support Scheme (ORESS). The approval will play a significant role in achieving the 80% renewable energy target by 2030. Last month the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP), Ireland’s first spatial plan for offshore renewable energy was approved by the Government. Situated off the coast of Wexford and Waterford, the DMAP includes four areas of the sea where offshore wind can be developed over the next ten years, namely Tonn Nua, Lí Ban, Manannán and Danu. The development that these sites will facilitate will contribute to the 5GW offshore wind energy target by 2030, as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2024.
Offshore wind auction for Lí Ban site announced for next year
Following the approval of the offshore wind auction for the Tonn Nua site, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has announced that a second auction will take place next year for the Lí Ban site. The site which is considerably larger than the Tonn Nua site has the potential to facilitate between 1,100MW and 1,500MW of offshore wind energy. The CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, Noel Cunniffe, has welcomed the news, stating that the announcement represents Ireland’s commitment to offshore wind energy and its acceleration.
Update on the Planning and Development Bill 2024
The Planning and Development Bill 2024, presents a comprehensive reform aimed at simplifying Ireland’s planning system, improving its efficiency, and aligning it with environmental and national policy standards. Key changes from the Act of 2000 include:
Transition from An Bord Pleanála to An Coimisiún Pleanála: An Bord Pleanála will become An Coimisiún Pleanála. Decisions on applications, appeals, and referrals will be handled by 15 Planning Commissioners working in divisions to meet newly defined decision timelines, particularly for renewable energy and grid projects. A governing board will oversee governance, significant expenditures, and strategy, with the CEO managing organisational functions, separate from case decision-making.
Local development plans lifespan extended: The Bill intends to move the planning system to a more strategised and plan-led system that will establish a clear planning hierarchy. Under the Act, local development plans will have their lifespan increased from six to ten years and required to be ‘strategic, integrating overall planning and sustainable development strategies.’
Urban Development Zones (UDZ): Under the Act, local authorities will be empowered to designate land with ‘significant potential for development’ as candidate UDZ and the Government will have such power to establish them where they see appropriate/of benefit to the State.
Statutory decision-making timelines: Statutory timelines are to be introduced for all consent processes, including An Coimisiún Pleanála decisions. Appeals made to An Coimisiún must be decided within 18 weeks for appeals of decisions of planning authorities and up to 48 weeks for Strategic Infrastructure Developments (SIDs).
Judicial Review (JR) process improvements: The Act has introduced an Environmental Legal Costs Scheme with the aim of ensuring that costs are not a prohibitive factor to people seeking JR on environmental grounds. The Act streamlines the judicial review process by removing the initial ‘leave’ stage, allowing applicants to file directly if they meet standing criteria. Environmental NGOs automatically gain standing, while other groups or individuals must demonstrate sufficient interest. The Act also enables courts to stay proceedings for corrections to minor errors, reducing unnecessary legal proceedings and grants An Coimisiún the ability to amend permissions to clarify terms.
Local area plans and county development plans
Wicklow Town Rathnew Local Area Plan 2025: 9th October - 20th November 2024
Draft Carrick-on-Suir Local Area Plan (2025-2031): 25th October – 9th December 2024
Draft Carrick-on-Suir Local Area Plan (2025-2031): 25th October – 9th December 2024
Draft Monaghan County Development Plan: 5th September – 14th November 2024