Ireland S.I. 274/2025: Solar & Co-Located Storage Planning Guide
Updated 6 September 2026 · By SolarNevs Research Desk, Dealer surveys + verified sources · 1 source · Method ↗
Key Takeaways
- Statutory Instrument S.I. No. 274 of 2025 (European Union (Planning and Development) (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2025) transposes EU Directive 2023/2413 (RED III) into Irish planning law.
- Legally defines "co-located energy storage" as an energy storage facility combined with a renewable energy production facility sharing the same grid access point.
- Establishes "relevant solar energy development" covering commercial solar equipment and co-located storage installed on artificial surfaces (excluding artificial water surfaces).
- Amends the Planning and Development Act 2000 (No. 30 of 2000) and Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 600 of 2001) to introduce Section 34D and Article 26A notification rules.
- Applies to applications submitted on or after 1 October 2025, maintaining a 5-week public observation period from date of receipt.
Scope of S.I. No. 274 of 2025
Published in Iris Oifigiúil on 12 August 2025 by Minister James Browne, S.I. No. 274 of 2025 amends the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 600 of 2001).
Exercising powers under Section 3 of the European Communities Act 1972 (No. 27 of 1972), the instrument gives effect to Articles 15e(5), 16, 16b, 16c(2), 16c(3), 16d, 16e, and 16f of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of 11 December 2018 as amended by Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of 18 October 2023 (RED III).
Statutory Definitions: Co-Located Storage & Artificial Surfaces
S.I. No. 274 of 2025 introduces precise legal definitions in Section 2 of the Planning and Development Act 2000:
Defined Term | Statutory Definition & Regulatory Condition | Planning Scope |
|---|---|---|
Co-Located Energy Storage | "an energy storage facility combined with a facility producing renewable energy and connected to the same grid access point" | Eliminates separate grid application requirements |
Relevant Solar Energy Development | "installation of solar energy equipment (other than small-scale solar equipment) and any co-located energy storage, including building-integrated solar installations, in existing or future artificial surfaces" | Applies to roofs, carports, and industrial infrastructure |
Artificial Surface Restriction | "other than artificial water surfaces, provided that the primary aim of the artificial surfaces is not solar energy production or energy storage" | Floating solar on reservoirs remains subject to separate review |
Section 34D & Article 26A Accelerated Permitting Procedures
The instrument streamlines administrative review for commercial solar and co-located storage:
- Section 34D Notice: Planning authorities must issue notices in accordance with Section 34D(b) when reviewing qualifying renewable energy applications.
- Article 26A Procedures: When a Section 34D notice is issued, Article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 governs the handling of documentation and site notices.
- Commencement & Public Participation: Provisions apply to applications under sections 34, 37E, 146B, or 291 on or after 1 October 2025. Public observations may be made within 5 weeks of application receipt.
Frequently asked questions
What is the legal definition of 'co-located energy storage' under S.I. No. 274 of 2025?
Under S.I. No. 274 of 2025, 'co-located energy storage' is defined as an energy storage facility combined with a facility producing renewable energy and connected to the same grid access point (August 2026).
What is defined as 'relevant solar energy development' under S.I. No. 274 of 2025?
'Relevant solar energy development' means the installation of solar energy equipment (other than small-scale solar equipment) and any co-located energy storage, including building-integrated solar installations, on existing or future artificial surfaces (excluding artificial water surfaces), where the primary aim of the surface is not energy production (August 2026).
Which core primary statutes are amended by S.I. No. 274 of 2025?
The instrument amends the Planning and Development Act 2000 (No. 30 of 2000) and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 600 of 2001) (August 2026).
When do the key accelerated planning application amendments take effect?
The key application amendments apply in relation to applications or requests made under section 34, 37E, 146B, or 291 of the Act of 2000 on or after 1 October 2025, subject to a 5-week public observation window (August 2026).
References
- Irish Statute Book: S.I. No. 274 of 2025 — accessed 31 August 2026
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