The climate action plan is being launched today. I have come across something that flies in the face of trying to get things done. There is a stand-off between local authorities and developers of solar and wind farms. When someone is trying to get a connection to the grid, it may have to be routed along a public road, possibly underground. However, before people can make an application for planning permission, they need a letter of consent from the local authority as part of the planning application. There is a stand-off where local authorities are not issuing these letters of consent. We have an energy crisis but the development of wind and solar farms cannot move ahead. This flies in the face of the climate action plan if we cannot get these public bodies to come together and find a solution.

I understand that at the start of the year, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, made changes to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 with the aim of providing certainty and clarity regarding the process for those looking to set up solar and wind farm projects. The Department is aware of the issue the Deputy raised and is examining it. It will seek legal advice to see if any further changes to legislation are needed to ensure we get the balance right between clarity and certainty of process and recognising the individual rights of property owners. The Government is aware of the issue. The Minister and his Department are investigating the matter to see if a revision may be required to bring the clarity and certainty to which the Deputy referred.