Solar Planning Exemptions

Ireland's Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has enacted significant amendments to planning regulations concerning rooftop solar installations, impacting commercial and industrial construction projects. The Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. 3) Regulations 2022, alongside the supporting Planning and Development (Solar Safeguarding Zone) Regulations 2022, now govern exemptions, introducing crucial considerations for developers. A central provision is the establishment of 43 Solar Safeguarding Zones (SSZs), designated areas around aviation facilities where glint or glare from solar panels poses a safety risk. Within these SSZs, a strict square-metre limitation on rooftop solar panels now applies to all development classes excluding residential housing. This introduces a material constraint for commercial, industrial, and public sector building projects located near airports, aerodromes, or helipads, necessitating careful site assessment and compliance strategies. Decision-makers in the construction sector must consult the official Solar Safeguarding Zones Map and the full statutory instruments to understand the specific limitations affecting planned or ongoing developments. Non-compliance could lead to project delays or retrospective modifications, underscoring the need for integrated planning that balances sustainability objectives with critical safety protocols. Read More