Why County Policies Matter for Solar Planning
While national planning policy (the National Planning Framework and National Development Plan) sets the broad context for solar development, the day-to-day determination of solar planning applications happens at county council level — and policies vary significantly between authorities.
The Most Active Solar Counties
Kildare, Laois, and Offaly
The midlands counties currently have the highest density of consented and operational solar farms in Ireland, reflecting good solar resource, flat topography, available agricultural land, and proximity to grid infrastructure. Planning authorities in these counties have built up experience with solar applications.
Meath and Westmeath
These east midlands counties have seen strong solar development activity. Meath County Council in particular has a detailed solar energy section in its Development Plan that sets clear expectations for applicants.
Cork, Tipperary, and Kilkenny
The south and south-east have significant solar potential and a growing pipeline of applications. These counties have larger agricultural landholdings that suit utility-scale development.
Dublin and Surrounds
Commercial rooftop solar is most active in Dublin given the concentration of large warehouse and distribution facilities. Planning exemption thresholds mean fewer formal applications, but structural and planning compliance is still required.
County Development Plans: Key Differences
Each county's Development Plan sets policies on:
Pre-Application Consultation: Essential in Ireland
Ireland's planning system allows (and encourages) pre-application consultation with the planning authority. For solar projects, this is not just advisable — it is essential. Benefits include:
1. **Identifying concerns early** — better to know about a landscape sensitivity or grid constraint before spending on reports
2. **Agreeing supporting documentation scope** — can reduce over-engineering of reports
3. **Building a relationship** — planning is a human process; knowing the planner is valuable
4. **Reducing further information risk** — applications informed by pre-application consultation receive fewer FI requests
An Bord Pleanála and Strategic Infrastructure
Solar farms above certain thresholds, and those with Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) designation, go directly to An Bord Pleanála rather than the local authority. This affects timeline, process, and the standard of documentation required.
An Bord Pleanála applications require a higher standard of documentation and engagement with prescribed bodies (EPA, OPW, local authorities, etc.).
Our Recommendation
Before committing significant expenditure on surveys and reports, commission a planning policy review that covers:
1. National policy context
2. Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) policies
3. County Development Plan solar policies
4. Any Local Area Plans covering your site
5. Pre-application meeting minutes (if available)
SolarPlan Ireland carries out planning policy reviews as a standalone service or as part of a wider planning consultancy package.