There "is no scientific or peer-reviewed evidence" that supports a potential link between solar farm development and the rise in bovine TB, according to a group that represents the solar industry in Ireland.

Solar Ireland has hit back at claims made in the Dáil by the TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, Catherine Callaghan, during which she said that many people believe the “development of mass areas of solar farms” could be contributing to the “marked increase” in TB cases.

However in a statement issued to Agriland Solar Ireland said that the "causes of bovine TB in Ireland remain complex and are primarily related to wildlife transmission and land management practices, not renewable energy infrastructure".

Deputy Callaghan had also stressed the Dáil that she wanted to make it clear that she knew no one in Carlow who was “against renewable energy regeneration”.

“Nor are we against our neighbours and friends who make a living from having wind or solar farms on their lands,” she added.

But the TD for Carlow-Kilkenny also said that what was urgently needed is “regulation” of new developments.

“In the area surrounding Rathoe village, though, there will potentially soon be in excess of 1,000 acres of solar farms,” she said.

According to Solar Ireland solar projects are "delivering real benefits to rural Ireland".

It said this included: "long-term income for farmers, locally generated, low-cost electricity, pollinator-friendly biodiversity zones and also community benefit funds supporting schools, clubs and services".

The industry group said it was "proud of the role solar energy is playing in delivering cleaner, cheaper power and a stronger rural economy".

It also believes that "calls to pause or restrict solar development — particularly in counties like Carlow where deployment is still modest — stand at odds with Ireland’s legally binding climate targets".

According to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, the Programme for Government has "committed to introduce planning guidelines for solar farms and to provide certainty in the development of solar energy".

But the Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North-Central, Pádraig O'Sullivan, yesterday (Thursday, July 3) in the Dáil asked Minister Heydon if he was engaging with the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment regarding the "use of good agricultural land for solar farms".

According to Minister Heydon the rights of farmers and other landowners are "subject to the usual constitutional protections".

He added: "It is important to provide farmers with opportunities to ensure they can maximise the income from their holdings, maintain viable holdings and protect our family farm tradition".

The minister acknowledged in the Dáil yesterday that while land use is under pressure from a variety of directions he said he believes "solar has a place here" and highlighted opportunities for farmers from rooftop solar PV technology.

"Whether the individual is a dairy, beef, sheep or tillage farmer, he or she can continue to do the core activity of producing top-quality food in that shed while having a sustainable and steady source of income every year from the shed's roof, which can help in years of income volatility when prices are low," Minister Heydon added.