Minister Gormley said: "These proposals provide a perfect example of how economic well being and a strong commitment to our environment can compliment one another. They make further inroads in removing any unnecessary regulatory barriers to the uptake of renewables in all sectors.
Following on from the introduction of exemptions from planning permission requirements for certain micro-renewable energy technologies in the domestic sector in February 2007, the Department further reviewed existing provisions with a view to facilitating increased usage of renewable energy in the industrial, agricultural, and commercial sectors, and in public buildings, including schools and hospitals. The consultation paper contains proposals for exemptions for wind turbines, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, solar panels and biomass boiler units, subject to certain conditions, across each of the sectors.
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The proposed measures will have multiple benefits in terms of climate change emissions reductions, potential job creation and the development of a more sustainable and secure energy The exemptions support actions required to meet Ireland’s emissions target under the Kyoto Protocol, as detailed in the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 and in the Agreed Programme for Government.
The consultation paper is available from the Department’s website at www.environ.ie or from Austin O’Dowd/Goretti Reynolds, Planning Section, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Custom House, Dublin 1.
(GK/JM)
