Rooftop solar panels on homes and other buildings could soon be exempt from planning permission.
Minister of State Peter Burke has published proposed revisions to the existing exemptions.
This means houses, regardless of location, will soon be able to install solar panels on their roofs without any requirement for planning permission.
Solar installations will be able to cover the entire roof of a house, subject to minor setback distances from the edge of the roof.
The exemptions would include rooftops of homes and buildings like community and educational buildings, places of worship, health buildings, libraries and farms.
There will also be exemptions for certain wall-mounted and free-standing solar panel installations, proposed to be increased to 60 square metres.
A public consultation is now open and will run until July 13th.
Minister Burke says the proposed changes are aimed at increasing Ireland's generation of solar energy.
"These draft regulations will help facilitate the rollout of rooftop solar energy across the country.
"They will enable individuals, communities, businesses and farms to play their part in creating a future fuelled by renewable energy and acting against climate change.
"They will help people and businesses to reduce their energy bills and increase Ireland's energy security, a major challenge given developments in Europe and the need to rapidly reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels."
He adds: "Houses, regardless of location, will soon be able to install solar panels on their roofs without any requirement for planning permission, which I know will be very welcome to many homeowners."
