Minister Pippa Hackett called on communities of Laois to join the ‘rooftop revolution’ in light of new exemptions from the need for planning permission for solar panels.
The new planning exemptions will lift the current restrictions that require planning permission for solar panels over a certain area, with the exception of properties in 43 ‘solar safeguarding zones’ around the country.
Minister Hackett said: “This change to solar planning requirements was fought for by the Green Party.
“It offers a fantastic opportunity for communities, businesses, farms and schools to join the rooftop revolution.”
The Minister said the widespread exemption will help to cut through red tape.
Minister Hackett said: “I am very conscious of the voluntary nature of many community and sporting organisations who are already hard pressed to manage rising costs.
“The new changes bring solar projects one step closer by eliminating the need to apply for planning.
“We know that electricity prices are high due to the war in Ukraine and generating your own electricity through solar photovoltaic (PV) is a sure way of taking back control” she said.
This change comes in the same week as Government extended the grant for small scale solar to businesses, public organisations and community groups and announced the provision of free solar panels for every school in the country as part of Budget 2023.
Within the solar safeguarding zones, covering about 2% of the country, planning permission will still be required for solar panels as the glint and glare from panels might pose a risk to aircraft.
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