Solar Safeguarding Zone

<p><span style='font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;'><font size='4'>As part of a review of the Solar Planning
Exemptions set out in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, the
Department in conjunction with relevant statutory stakeholders (namely the
Irish aviation Authority (IAA), Department of Defence and the HSE) considered
the impact of glint and/or glare from solar panels on aviation receptors.
 Having regard to the potential glint and/or glare impact on aviation
receptors, the designation of Solar Safeguarding Zones (SSZs) around certain
airports (5km zone), aerodromes/ military barracks (3km zone), emergency
helipads (3km zone) was required in order to provide appropriate safeguards in
close proximity to aviation sites.</font></span></p>

<p><span style='font-size:large; font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;'>43 SSZs were introduced within which a
rooftop limit on solar panels continues to apply:</span><br /></p>

<ul>
<li><span style='font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;'><font size='4'>10 SSZs with 5km zones (airports)</font></span></li>
<li><span style='font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;'><font size='4'>33 SSZs with 3km zones (aerodromes/ military barracks/
hospital helipads).</font></span></li>
</ul>

<p><span style='font-size:large; font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;'>The geographical area of the Solar
Safeguarding Zones are delineated and defined by Statute in Schedule 1 (a map
or maps of the areas) and Schedule 2 (a list of the townlands in question / a
description of the areas) of the Planning and Development (Solar safeguarding
Zone) Regulation 2022 (S.I. No. 492 of 2022).</span><br /></p>

<p><span style='font-size:large; font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;'>The maps are also available to view in more
detail on a non-statutory basis on </span><a href='https://myplan.ie/' target='_blank' rel='nofollow ugc noopener noreferrer'>myplan.ie</a><br /></p>