46. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the recently published report ‘A Living Land’ in relation to solar renewable energies; his views on solar farms and land use on agricultural farms; if his Department has considered the report when speaking to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage about the upcoming solar planning guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52304/26]

"A Living Land", is not an articulation of government policy or a new strategy. It describes current land use patterns and the various demands on land in delivering on our national environment commitments, with a view to supporting policymakers and landholders in complex decision making regarding competing demands for future land-use, in the context of achieving Ireland’s agricultural, socio-economic, climate and environmental objectives.

It is important to note that a key finding of “A Living Land”, is that public land should lead by example. This is underpinned by the Programme for Government commitments around renewable energy and evidenced by Bord na Mona and Coillte in their mission to deliver sustainable energy systems.

The Government has committed to introduce planning guidelines for solar farms and provide certainty in the development of solar energy in agriculture. While issues regarding planning fall under the remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, my Department will input into the development of these guidelines due to the potential impact on agricultural land. It is important to state that the rights of farmers and other landowners are, of course, subject to the usual Constitutional protections.

As Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, I am committed to driving sustainable agriculture practices that underpin Ireland’s food sector and contribute more broadly to food security.

Equally so, it is important to provide farmers with opportunities to maximise the income from their holdings, maintain viable holdings and protect our family farm tradition. My Department provides a wide range of supports for a variety of farming activities and sectors, such as support for the production of indigenous renewable energy. This is primarily through the Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) under TAMS and the installation of mainly roof-top Solar PV technology along with battery storage on Irish farms across the country.

In order to meet our climate targets, the promotion of renewable energy will be a critical deliverable and while renewable energy in the agriculture sector can offer diversification opportunities for farmers, I want to ensure that these developments do not negatively impact on Ireland’s food production.

My Department will continue to engage on this important matter.