2660951

RED III - Construction of a solar PV energy development associated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility with an operational life of 40 years on lands totalling approximately 36.3 hectares. The development will consist of the installation of approximately 208,600 sq. m. of photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames and associated ancillary development including 3 no. transformer stations, string-inverters attached to panel frames, 25 no. CCTV security cameras mounted on 4 metre high poles, deer-proof perimeter security fencing (2 metres high) raised 200mm to allow for the movement of small mammals and gates; a BESS facility comprising an electrical compound, 180 no. battery storage units, electrical transformer/inverter station modules, 45 no. transformers, 3 no. storage containers, 3 no. 33 kV switch gear rooms, 1 no. control room building, 1 no. water tank, 1 no. underground fire water containment tank, a surface water infiltration area and 7 no. CCTV cameras enclosed with 2.5 metre high security fencing; the creation of a new access on L50161 public road to facilitate construction and operational phase access; internal access tracks between the solar arrays and the site entrance; a temporary construction compound; and all ancillary development works including landscaping and underground cable to connect the proposed transformer stations to a proposed 110kv substation with electrical control building and associated compound the subject of a separate planning permission under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006. This development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive (EU) 2023/2413) and it is important to note that the planning application may be subject to section 34D of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. When a notice issues in accordance with section 34D(b), the provisions of article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 shall apply. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application