From Directive to Delivery: Industry Reflects on the Early Implementation of RED III in Ireland
On 21 April, WISE(IR), alongside Solar Ireland, hosted a webinar exploring the early implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) in Ireland and what the new framework is beginning to mean in practice for renewable energy projects.
Titled “From Directive to Delivery: Implementing RED III in Ireland”, the session brought together developers, policy professionals and industry stakeholders to reflect on how the regulations are operating several months after their introduction, and ahead of the introduction of the new EIAR scoping requirements from 1 May.
The webinar was chaired by Maeve Delargy, Partner at Matheson, with perspectives from:
- Maria Hallinan, Policy Manager, Solar Ireland
- Alan Spillane, Grid Manager, Power Capital
The discussion focused on the practical realities of implementation, including emerging challenges for developers navigating the new planning framework and whether the regulations are likely to achieve their intended aim of reducing permitting timelines for renewable energy projects.
A key theme throughout the session was the importance of consistency and clarity in implementation. Participants discussed the varying experiences emerging across projects and local authorities, particularly around procedural interpretation and administrative processes.
One area of particular concern raised during the discussion related to planning completeness checks, which has also been a significant focus of Solar Ireland’s Planning Working Group in recent months. Attendees highlighted the potential impact of delays and uncertainty at this stage of the process, particularly where projects are being assessed against evolving requirements and guidance.
The session reinforced the importance of ongoing dialogue between industry, planners, advisers and policymakers as Ireland continues to implement the directive and adapt its permitting framework to support renewable energy deployment at scale.
Solar Ireland would like to thank WISE(IR), Maeve Delargy, Maria Hallinan, Alan Spillane and all attendees for contributing to a thoughtful and constructive discussion.