There have been renewed calls on the Government to urgently publish national planning guidelines for solar farm developments.

The calls by Fine Gael Senator Eileen Lynch came as she warned that the continued loss of valuable agricultural land to large-scale energy projects cannot continue without proper regulation and oversight.

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The Cork-based Senator made the comments following the recent decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála to grant planning permission for a 398ac solar farm development in Aglish in the Lee Valley. The project was initially refused by Cork County Council.

Framework

Senator Lynch said the case highlighted the growing need for a clear national framework governing where solar farms should and should not be located.

“I support renewable energy and I support solar development, but it has to happen in the right locations and in partnership with rural communities,” Senator Lynch said.

“In the case of Aglish, there was very significant local concern, with approximately 200 objections submitted to Cork County Council. The council refused permission on the grounds that the proposal contravened the County Development Plan and was contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. That decision has now been overturned, and it demonstrates the absence of clear national guidelines.”

Food production

Senator Lynch warned that Ireland risks undermining both food production and public confidence in renewable energy policy if high-quality agricultural land continues to be targeted for large-scale solar developments.

“We cannot allow productive agricultural land to be lost in an unplanned and piecemeal way.

"Other European countries such as Germany, France and Italy already have systems in place that discourage the use of prime agricultural land for solar farm development. Ireland urgently needs to adopt a similar approach,” she said.

The Senator said local authorities are currently being left to make difficult decisions without adequate national direction, resulting in inconsistency and frustration for communities.

Lands grading

Senator Lynch said national planning guidelines should include land classification measures, clear criteria for where solar developments can be located and stronger safeguards for high-quality agricultural land.

She also called for increased investment in electricity grid infrastructure to ensure renewable energy projects are not disproportionately concentrated in areas that already have grid capacity.

“At the moment, solar farms are effectively springing up across the country without proper regulation or strategic planning.

"Local authorities are being overruled and communities feel ignored. That is not the way to deliver the renewable energy transition.”

Senator Lynch concluded by calling on the Government and the Department of Housing to publish comprehensive solar farm planning guidelines without delay.