Thank you to Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd for an engaging meeting with RenewableNI this morning focused on planning reform.

The group discussed how excessive planning timelines are putting the obligation to reach 80% renewable generation by 2030 at risk. Key points were quality of applications, statutory consultee response times and the role of the Planning Appeals Commission.

RenewableNI highlighted the importance of facilitative policy for renewables.

Pictured at the Department for Infrastructure (l-r) Sara Tinsley, RenewableNI deputy Chair; Minister O’Dowd; RenewableNI Director Steven Agnew; Chair Tamasin Fraser and chair of RenewableNI’s planning group, Emma Kelly.