Written answer
Renewable Energy Generation
The Minister said the 2024 Planning and Development Act and Revised NPF require regional and local plans to provide for renewable electricity and onshore wind capacity. Reviews of the three Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies began in March and must be completed by the end of 2027, with local authorities then aligning development plans accordingly.
673. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the proposed national territorial mapping, being progressed through the three regional assemblies to identify areas suitable onshore wind energy development is expected to be completed and published; whether he is satisfied that there is sufficient alignment between national renewable energy objectives, Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, local authority development plans and renewable energy strategies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64433/26]
Comment on this
708. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he is satisfied that national renewable electricity and onshore wind targets are adequately reflected in Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, local authority development plans and county renewable energy strategies; the engagement his Department has undertaken with the three regional assemblies and relevant local authorities to ensure consistency between national targets and regional and local planning policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64435/26]
Comment on this
752. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for the finalisation and completion of the Regional Renewable Energy Strategies. [65961/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 673, 708 and 752 together.
The Planning and Development Act 2024 and the Revised NPF (2025) provide the legislative and policy basis for the review and updating of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and local authority development plans.
Section 49 of the Act of 2024 obliges Local Authorities to prepare a strategy relating to environment and climate change while National Policy Objective 70 of the Revised NPF seeks to promote renewable energy use and generation at appropriate locations within the built and natural environment to meet national objectives towards achieving a climate neutral economy by 2050.
National Policy Objective 74 of the Revised NPF provides that each Regional Assembly must plan, through their Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES), for the delivery of the regional renewable electricity capacity allocations indicated for onshore wind and solar, and identify allocations for each of the local authorities within the respective region, based on the best available scientific evidence and in accordance with legislative requirements, in order to meet the overall national targets set out in the Climate Action Plan and reflected in the Revised NPF. The preparation of the three RSESs under the Act of 2024 commenced in March of this year. The Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2026 provides a 90-week deadline for the completion of the three RSES review process to ensure that the reviews are completed by end 2027.
National Policy Objective 75 of the Revised NPF provides that local authorities shall plan for the delivery of Target Power Capacity (MW) allocations consistent with the relevant Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES), through their City and County Development Plans.