557 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation with regard to the requirement for planning permission for solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6365/07]

On 5 November 2006, I published a consultation paper containing proposals to revise the exempted development provisions of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 so as to permit the installation of solar panels, and other micro-renewables, without planning permission in certain circumstances. Following the responses to the consultation paper, I laid draft exempted development regulations for approval before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 25 January. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment and Local Government considered the draft proposals on 15 February and are due to report their approval to this House and to the Seanad today. I intend to sign the Regulations as soon as possible after formal ratification of approval by both Houses.