Solar Planning Exemptions

The Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. 3) Regulations 2022 and the supporting Planning and Development (Solar Safeguarding Zone) Regulations 2022 which are now in effect, combine to provide updated provisions regarding planning exemptions for rooftop solar installations.

The Planning and Development (Solar Safeguarding Zone) Regulations 2022 set out 43 Solar Safeguarding Zones (SSZs) which are areas around airports, aerodromes or helipads in which there is a potential for glint or glare from solar panels to impact aviation safety. A square metre limit on rooftop solar panels applies within these zones to all classes of development other than houses. The SSZs are available for viewing here: Solar Safeguarding Zones Map.

Copies of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. 3) Regulations 2022 and the supporting Planning and Development (Solar Safeguarding Zone) Regulations 2022 are available on the Irish Statute Book website.