Let there be light: Kilkenny TD welcomes changes to planning rules

Revised planning exemptions for the installation of rooftop solar panels on houses and other buildings signed by Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien are a “common sense move” that will pave the way for far more homes, businesses, schools and other buildings to become far more sustainable, according to Kilkenny TD John Paul Phelan.

“This is a common sense measure. We now need a similar approach to attic and wall insulation to reduce the cost at point of purchase, rather than those carrying out retrofit works having to go through a laborious grants process and wait weeks, if not months, to make such insulation works,” the local Fine Gael TD said.

“The new solar regulations are timely and will remove the requirement for planning permission to be sought and approved for the installation of rooftop solar PV (Photo Voltaic) on the majority of buildings in the country.

“This will act as a significant driver of the rollout of micro- and small-scale solar PV generation, increasing Ireland’s generation of solar energy and strengthening our energy security at a time when this is so badly needed. It will also help families, businesses and communities future proof against further energy price hikes.

“The revisions also extend the exemptions to new classes of buildings, such as apartments, community, religious and educational buildings. These changes will have a positive impact, allowing a greater number of people and organisations to generate their own electricity through solar, and in doing so reducing their energy costs and carbon footprint,” Deputy Phelan added.