Removal of planning for solar panels welcomed by TD

The removal of the need for planning permission for the installation of rooftop solar panels on homes and many other buildings has been welcomed by a local TD.

Deputy Niamh Smyth made her comments after revised planning exemptions were signed by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien last week.

The new regulations will remove the requirement for planning permission for the installation of rooftop solar PV (Photo Voltaic) on the majority of buildings in the country. The move is expected to act as a significant driver of the roll-out of micro- and small-scale solar PV generation, increasing the Republic’s generation of solar energy.

The revisions also extend the exemptions to new classes of buildings, such as apartments, community, religious and educational buildings.

“The signing of these regulations represents the achievement of one of our major Climate Action Plan ambitions," said Deputy Smyth.

“The regulations remove a major barrier to those wishing to install solar PV, and will facilitate an even greater number of households, schools, communities, farmers and businesses, among others, to produce their own clean, renewable electricity and play an active role in the energy transition."