Planning & Environmental

Planning is often an essential step in the project timeline for delivering large infrastructure projects. Ground-mounted solar PV arrays, solar carports, battery storage, commercial scale biomass plants, etc. often require planning permission, or at least formal confirmation with the relevant local authority.

Environmental requirements often apply in parallel with planning permission. These may include environmental impact assessment screening, appropriate assessment screening, glint and glare, flood risk assessment, etc.

Tipperary Energy Agency provide independent technical support to establish the planning requirements, the evidence required to support them, and how those requirements fit into the wider project programme.

How can TEA help?

Our experienced team of engineers will assess whether Solar PV is technically and financially feasible for your business. We evaluate your site conditions, energy profile, roof or ground‑mount potential, grid constraints, and commercial objectives. Based on this, we recommend the most effective next steps to maximise value and long‑term savings.

Work

around site constraints early, such as protected structures, conservation areas, solar safeguard zones and flood risk.

Prepare

and submit Section 5 declaration requests.

Engage

with the local authorities at pre-planning stage and process requests for further information.

Coordinate

planning, grid connection and grant milestones to avoid project delays.

Identify

and coordinate specialist assessments where required, such as Environmental Impact Assessment screening, Appropriate Assessment screening, glint and glare, and other planning related surveys.

Establish

the planning status of proposed works, including whether they qualify as exempted development under the Planning and Development Regulations.

Provide

technical documents for planning applications, including site layouts, energy and carbon rationale, and supporting technical reports.

Benefits

Certainty Earlier

Knowledge of whether permission is required before design and procurement.

Reduced Programme Risk

Identification and mitigation risk in the early stages of the project.

Grant Protection

Management of delivery timeframes to meet constraints of grant completion dates.

Coordination

A single point of coordination across planning, environmental, grid and funding streams.

Independent Advice

TEA operate as an independent, not-for-profit agency with no supplier affiliation.

Why choose Tipperary Energy Agency?

25+ Years Delivering Ireland's Energy Transition  

Tipperary Energy Agency is a not-for-profit social enterprise founded in 1998. We have been at the forefront of energy efficiency and retrofit in Ireland ever since, working with local authorities, communities, businesses, and the public sector across the country.  

25+ Years of Experience

Over two decades supporting Ireland's transition to sustainable energy use.

25+ Years of Experience

Over two decades supporting Ireland's transition to sustainable energy use.

40+ European Projects

Successfully completed more than 40 national and EU research and demonstration projects

40+ European Projects

Successfully completed more than 40 national and EU research and demonstration projects

€1.4M Savings Delivered

Helped Tipperary County Council alone achieve over €1.4M in energy cost savings.

€1.4M Savings Delivered

Helped Tipperary County Council alone achieve over €1.4M in energy cost savings.

SEAI Registered Auditors

Our auditors are SEAI-registered Certified Energy Managers (CEMs), meeting all statutory requirements.

SEAI Registered Auditors

Our auditors are SEAI-registered Certified Energy Managers (CEMs), meeting all statutory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need planning permission for solar panels on my building?

In most cases, no. Since October 2022, rooftop solar on industrial, commercial, agricultural, educational, healthcare, community, sports and similar buildings is exempted development, with no cap on the roof area covered, provided the conditions in the regulations are met.

What is a Section 5 declaration?

A Section 5 declaration is a formal request to your local authority for a written determination on whether a proposed development is exempted development.

What are EIA and Appropriate Assessment screening?

Environmental Impact Assessment screening determines whether a project is likely to have significant environmental effects and therefore requires a full Environmental Impact Assessment Report. Appropriate Assessment screening determines whether a project could affect a European designated site, such as a Special Area of Conservation or Special Protection Area. Many smaller energy projects are screened out, but the screening itself still has to be carried out and documented.

How long does the planning process take?

A local authority normally has eight weeks to decide a planning application, with a five week window for public submissions. A request for further information pauses that clock. There is then a four week period during which the decision can be appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála, formerly An Bord Pleanála. A realistic programme allows several months from application to a permission that is clear of appeal.

Can planning affect my grant or grid connection?

Yes. Most capital grant schemes require works to be completed within a fixed period from the letter of offer, and a planning application that is refused or appealed can put that date at risk. ESB Networks connection offers also carry their own acceptance and delivery timelines.

Speak to an expert

Looking for the right solution for your facility? Contact us today to discuss your needs and see how we can support your goals.