Aviation Safeguarding Maps - Aviation Safeguarding Maps for solar planning exemptions

Descriptions

Under the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated regulations, requires planning permission. Section 4 of the Act and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended (the Regulations), set out various exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission. Among these exemptions are those related to the installation of solar panels.In the context of the Climate Action Plan, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, in association with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, is currently undertaking a review of these solar panel exemptions, with a possible outcome being the expansion of these exemptions to allow for greater solar development without the need to apply for planning permission. The Department is cognisant of the impact that the glint and glare from proposed solar installations might have on aviation safety and, with this in mind, intends to commission the development of guidance maps which will identify those areas in the vicinity of airports and aerodromes within which the exemptions will not apply.