Poll: Would you like to see more solar farms built in Ireland?

Dozens of projects are waiting in the planning system after residents’ objections.

By Conor McMahon Deputy editor, Fora

THERE ARE DOZENS of solar farms stuck in planning limbo. As revealed by Fora, a project was appealed by concerned locals to An Bord Pleanála on average at least once every fortnight over the past 12 months.

Although none have been refused at national level, the vast majority of the developments we analysed are still awaiting a decision from the planning authority.

Some appellants were concerned about potential “glint and glare” caused by the sun bouncing off solar panels, while others were worried about noise during the construction phase.

But many also highlighted the fact that Ireland doesn’t have national guidelines around solar farm planning.

That said, Ireland is struggling to meet its renewable energy targets. Unlike the UK and much of continental Europe, the country has yet to develop a commercial solar industry of scale that could help it reach some of those commitments, meaning it remains dependent on wind farms for renewable energy provision.

With that in mind, we’re asking Fora readers this week: Would you like to see more solar farms built in Ireland?