EIA Requirements for Solar Farms in Ireland
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a formal process for evaluating the environmental effects of certain types of development before planning permission is granted. When required, an EIAR must accompany the planning application.
The Thresholds
Under Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), solar farms require EIA when they:
For projects below these thresholds, the competent authority (local authority or An Bord Pleanála) must carry out a screening determination to decide whether EIA is required on a case-by-case basis.
What an EIAR Covers
A full EIAR for a solar farm typically includes:
1. **Population and human health** — impacts on nearby residents and workers
2. **Biodiversity and ecology** — including Appropriate Assessment where Natura 2000 sites are involved
3. **Land, soil, and geology** — soil disturbance, drainage, compaction
4. **Water** — surface water and groundwater impacts
5. **Air and climate** — construction dust, greenhouse gas calculations
6. **Material assets** — infrastructure, land use, grid connection
7. **Cultural heritage** — archaeology and built heritage
8. **Landscape and visual** — the landscape chapter (Landscape Plan and photomontages)
9. **Cumulative effects** — in combination with other projects
10. **Interactions between the above** — often overlooked but important
The EIAR Process Timeline
Preparing an EIAR is a substantial undertaking:
Screening: When Is a Formal EIAR Required Below Thresholds?
For solar farms between 5 and 50 hectares, a sub-threshold screening determination may be requested. The authority considers:
Our advice: commission an ecological screening report and cultural heritage desk study early. If sensitive receptors are identified, budget for EIA from the outset — it is far more costly to redesign or commission additional studies after submission.
Contact Us
SolarPlan Ireland coordinates multi-disciplinary EIA teams for solar projects. Contact us to discuss whether your project requires EIAR and to get a coordinated programme and cost estimate.