Skip to main content
Department for Infrastructure Department for Infrastructure An Roinn Bonneagair Depairtment fur Infrastructure

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Topics
  • Publications
  • Consultations
  • Contact

Translation help

Translate this page

Select a language

  • Arabic — عربي
  • Chinese (Simplified) — 中文简体
  • Chinese (Traditional) — 中文繁體
  • Dutch — Nederlands
  • Filipino — Filipino
  • French — Français
  • German — Deutsch
  • Hungarian — Magyar
  • Irish — Gaeilge
  • Italian — Italiano
  • Latvian — Latviešu
  • Lithuanian — Lietuvių kalba
  • Polish — Polski
  • Portuguese — Português
  • Romanian — Română
  • Russian — Русский
  • Slovak — Slovenčina
  • Spanish — Español
  • Ukrainian — Українська
  • Mallon gives ‘green light’ to renewable energy planning review

    Topics:
    • Planning

    Date published: 21 April 2021

    Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has today announced her decision to review the strategic planning policy on renewable and low carbon energy.

    Renewal energy planning review

    In announcing her decision Minister Mallon said:

    “Addressing the climate emergency is one of my key priorities, as is supporting the economy and a green recovery from this pandemic. This review of renewable and low carbon energy development will also take account of the Executive’s emerging energy strategy.

    “The planning system has played a key role to date in helping to achieve and exceed Northern Ireland’s renewable electricity target and I want to ensure that my Department’s regional planning policy remains up to date, robust and fit for purpose.”

    As a key part of the policy review process, Minister Mallon has emphasised that there will be extensive engagement with stakeholders and the public to ensure that the new policy is up to date, fit for purpose and has the support of local communities.

    Acknowledging the range of factors and contrasting opinions on this important topic, Minister Mallon said:

    “The planning system is where different and opposing interests often meet and there will be opportunities as the review progresses to hear from everyone who has an interest in this policy area. I want to ensure regional planning policy for renewable and low carbon energy truly furthers sustainable development and delivers in the long term public interest.

    The key challenge will be to facilitate renewable and low carbon energy development which is acceptable to our communities and also protects the environment.”

    Notes to editors:

    1. Regional planning policy for renewable energy is contained in the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) for Northern Ireland, published September 2015.
    2. Planning Policy Statement 18: Renewable Energy, is currently retained under the transitional arrangements of the SPPS. It will therefore cease to have effect in the relevant council area once the Plan Strategy has been adopted. 
    3. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
    4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
    5. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure.

    Latest news

    • Infrastructure Minister appoints Councillors to the Drainage Council

      16 May 2025

    • Ministers announce the award of £3.4m contract for Gortin Road Improvement Scheme

      14 May 2025

    • Minister Kimmins committed to progressing the Rathlin Island Policy

      14 May 2025

    • Ulster Ladies pledge to ‘Share the Road to Zero’

      14 May 2025

    More news …
    Share this page Share on Facebook (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share on X (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share by email (external link opens in a new window / tab)

    Department footer links

    • Crown copyright
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy
    • Cookies
    • Accessibility
    • The Northern Ireland Executive
    • The Executive Office
    • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
    • Department for Communities
    • Department for Education
    • Department for the Economy
    • Department of Finance
    • Department for Infrastructure
    • Department for Health
    • Department of Justice
    • nidirect.gov.uk — the official government website for Northern Ireland citizens