Planning guidelines on solar farms need to be improved - O’Rourke
One of the biggest concerns facing residents in the Ratoath/Clonee area is the lack of planning guidelines for large scale solar farms.
Minister Darragh O'Brien confirmed there were no plans to bring in guidelines in response to a parliamentary question by Deputy Darren O'Rourke
The Minister says he believes the current planning code is sufficiently robust.
Deputy O'Rourke says the Government must immediately move to a plan-led approach for the delivery of large-scale solar.
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The Meath East TD, who is his party's spokesperson on Energy said: "Currently, we import the vast majority of our energy. In the future, our vast renewable resources - in onshore and offshore wind, solar, hydrogen and other emerging technologies - can deliver energy security and independence for Ireland. If the right approach is taken, we can turn this immense natural resource into national wealth, creating jobs and prosperity in every part of Ireland. It is an incredible opportunity but, in my firm opinion, it has to be managed in the right way.
"Rather than relying on the interests of private companies and their profit margins or the whim of local landowners, as seems to be the intent of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, we need a plan-led approach that ensures the interests of the state and local communities are prioritised. There is an important role for the private sector in terms of expertise and investment, and that must be harnessed, but it should not be speculative or extractive and it cannot be at any cost.
"While I believe it should have been done earlier, now would be an excellent time to set out the rules in relation to solar development, how much we need, where we need it, how it should be delivered, what's the best ownership model.”