Planning squeeze hinders solar power projects

ISEA CEO Conall Bolger spoke to Barry O'Halloran of the The Irish Times on delays to solar planning appeals. “Ireland needs to take rapid action to decarbonise our electricity system,” he warned, adding that the solar industry was ready to deliver. “But too often it is being stymied by planning barriers, as a country we can and must address this.”

Decision timelines from An Bord Pleanála far in excess of the mandated 18 weeks, averaging at least double that timeline. One case took nearly 73 weeks.