Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment

This request relates to the evidential basis underpinning policy and decision making concerning the use of agricultural land for solar photovoltaic development in Ireland. In particular, I request access to the following records created or held from 1 January 2020 to date: 1. Any reports, analyses, briefing notes or internal assessments examining the land use implications of solar photovoltaic deployment, including any consideration of impacts on agricultural land availability, productivity or land use change. 2. Any records (including internal correspondence, briefing notes or submissions) discussing agrivoltaics or dual use solar farming, including:  the evidential basis for such approaches,  any identified benefits or limitations,  and any consideration of how such practices are monitored or verified in Ireland. 3. Any records setting out or referring to datasets, methodologies, or evidence sources relied upon by the Department in forming policy positions on the siting of solar PV developments on agricultural land. 4. Any correspondence (including emails, briefing material or submissions) between the Department and other public bodies (including but not limited to the Department of Agriculture, SEAI, local authorities or An Coimisiún Pleanála) concerning:  land use impacts of solar development,  agrivoltaics or dual-use claims,  or the absence or availability of monitoring data in this area. 5. Any internal or external records discussing limitations, uncertainties, or gaps in the evidence base relating to solar PV land use or agrivoltaics in Ireland.