The Commission has warned Ireland about non-compliance with regulations aimed at expediting planning for renewable energy projects. These regulations require clear time limits for permits, directing all applications to a centralized body, specifically An Coimisiún Pleanála. Another requirement is a presumption of overriding public interest for renewable energy projects, which reduces localized objections. Ireland, along with Portugal and Latvia, missed the July 1 deadline for transposition into law and now has two months to comply or face legal action. Wind energy representatives have indicated potential delays in reaching the government’s offshore wind targets due to planning obstacles.
Ireland failed to comply with regulations requiring simplified planning procedures for renewable energy developments, which include setting clear time limits for permit-granting processes.
The regulations mandate a single applications body for projects, such as An Coimisiún Pleanála, replacing the current system that involves local authority planning departments.
The regulations also include a presumption that renewable energy projects are of overriding public interest, making it more challenging for objections based on personal or local concerns.
The warning from the Commission follows a statement from wind energy representatives indicating potential delays in achieving the target of 5 gigawatts of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030.
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