Galway Bay FM reported on 22 September that Seán Kyne TD had raised Lackagh residents’ concerns about proposed solar developments in Dáil Éireann. His contribution took place on 17 September.
Referring to a local meeting he had attended, Deputy Kyne highlighted concerns about developments near homes, the use of productive agricultural land and the potential effect on Lackagh village’s future expansion. He recognised solar energy’s role in meeting Ireland’s renewable energy targets while calling for clearer guidance on the scale and location of developments.
He asked when national solar energy guidelines would be published and whether the Government would consider a temporary pause on large-scale solar projects.
Responding, Minister Helen McEntee said renewable energy expansion needed to be balanced with community engagement and appropriate guidance. She said work on a national planning statement was under way, but did not give a publication date.
The call has also been welcomed by other community groups. In a public post on 22 September, Ballymoneen Solar Development Awareness Group drew parallels between concerns in Lackagh and Knockdoe, its own campaign around Ballymoneen, and AMASS Movement’s concerns about the Belville Solar Development.
Ballymoneen’s post called for clear national planning guidance, meaningful public consultation and stronger protections for communities and agricultural land. It urged public representatives to turn recognition of residents’ concerns into concrete action.
Follow the groups’ public pages below for updates from other communities responding to large-scale solar development.
- Read the Dáil record — 17 September 2026 ↗
- View Seán Kyne’s Instagram reel ↗
- View Seán Kyne’s Facebook reel ↗
- Read Ballymoneen’s response — 22 September 2026 ↗
- Ballymoneen Solar Development Awareness Group on Facebook ↗
- AMASS Movement on Facebook ↗