Victory for Limerick homeowner as An Coimisiún Pleanála overturns solar panel decision

THE way has been cleared for a homeowner in Castleconnell to install solar panels on the roof of their property after An Coimisiún Pleanála overturned a decision of the local authority.

In September 2025, Declan Carey sought clarification from Limerick City and County Council regarding the proposed installation of ten panels at his home on Castle Street in the village. 

As part of the planning process, the proposal was reviewed by the Council’s Architectural Conservation Officer who determined the installation of solar panels, as proposed, did not constitute an 'exempt development' and could not proceed without permission.

“The proposed solar panels are to the front elevation and will be prominently visible from within the streetscape of Castle Street and the ACA (Architectural Conservation Area). It will also have a visual impact on views within the ACA generally, including the view along Castle Street showing the terraced cottages, and the view towards the Church from Castle Street. The proposal wouldn’t be considered to be exempted development as it will have a visual impact on the character of the ACA,” stated the Architectural Conservation Officer.

Given the determination, the applicant was informed planning permission would be required to install solar panels as intended.

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In an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála, Mr Carey again asked if the proposed installation of solar panels constitutes an ‘exempted development’.

According to planning documents, the property, located in the centre of the village, comprises a dormer dwelling and a single storey annex attached, on which it is proposed to mount the solar panels. The property is accessed off Castle Street Road -  the main street through the village - and there is a pedestrian entrance and a wider vehicular access serving the area also. 

Mr Carey submitted the proposed development is "sympathetic to the existing built environment in the ACA" and he made submissions supporting his contention.

According to a 25-page report from planning inspector Clare Clancy, the proposed solar panel installation will be "low profile, roof-integrated, and set back to minimise visual impact."

It will have "minimal visibility from surrounding areas and will be fully reversible leaving the roof fabric intact if removed."

Mr Carey also stated the "dark, non-reflective finish" of the proposed panels will help reduce visual contrast with the predominant roof surface while low profile mounting will allow the panels to integrate with the roof and "will not significantly alter the roof line or silhouette when viewed from the street level."

He added that the alignment of any panels will follow the roof pitch and slope maintaining the geometry of the roofscape and "will not disrupt the rhythm of rooflines across the ACA."

In her report, the planning inspector, who carried out a site visit last year, indicated she did not agree with the local authority's determination.

"In relation to views from Castle Street in the direction of St Joseph’s Church which is a protected structure, the placement of the solar panels on the roof will not obstruct views from Castle Street of the church, but may diminish the view to some degree, however in my opinion not materially," she stated adding: "I do not consider that the proposed development will materially affect the character of the ACA or will unduly impact on the visual amenities of the ACA."

Having considered the matter at a meeting last month, three members of the commission endorsed the recommendation of Ms Clare to overturn the determination of Limerick City and County Council.

In its formal direction, An Coimision Pleanala determined the installation of the solar panels "is development and is exempted development."

In essence, the decision means planning permission is not required and that the installation of the solar panels can proceed.