Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Energy Minister in providing support to firms interested in setting up solar energy farms.

Spokesperson on Communications, Climate Action and Energy, Timmy Dooley said Minister Naughten has been "disappointingly slow" in providing guidance after reports showed that on average, 145 applications for planning permission are being lodged every year, however local authorities do not have the required guidance and advice from the Department on how to deal with and assess them.

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Mr Dooley said: "It's clear that there is a significant interest among people and companies in establishing solar farms to generate electricity for sale into the Irish market. This is a good thing, but it is being hampered by a lack of guidance from central government.

"Both Minister Naughten's and Minister Coveney's departments are required to provide local authorities, those charged with approving or declining these types of planning applications, with guidance to ensure that such developments meet sustainable planning rules.

"Solar energy can be, in certain parts of the country, a vital source of renewable, sustainable and clean energy. If done right, it can reduce our country's dependence on imported fossil fuels.

"If implemented incorrectly, we will have years of conflict in communities, and fall in our commitment to reduce fossil fuel consumption."

(CD/LM)