Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed development was recommended for grant as it is consistent with national, regional, and local (Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027) policy support for renewable energy, and it was determined that the proposal would not significantly injure the visual or residential amenities of the area, nor have a significant adverse impact on ecology, archaeology, or traffic safety.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The principle of the solar farm is supported by the Meath County Development Plan and national targets for 80% renewable electricity by 2030, representing a sustainable use of 'RA Rural Area' zoned land.
- Visual and landscape impacts, including those on the sensitive Tara/Skryne Hills area, are sufficiently mitigated by the site's contained topography and proposed enhancement of existing mature hedgerows and treelines.
- Following a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment, it is concluded that the development, with implementation of the Natura Impact Statement's mitigation measures, will not adversely affect the integrity of the River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC and SPA.
Cited Policies (CDP)
ED POL 19INF POL 34INF POL 35INF POL 36INF OBJ 39INF OBJ 41WS POL 29WS POL 32INF OBJ 28HER POL 2HER POL 3HER POL 4HER POL 37HER POL 49HER POL 50HER POL 52DM POL 27DM OBJ 76DM OBJ 77LCA 6 (Central Lowlands)LCA 12 (The Tara Skryne Hills)RD Pol 39
Decision Document Summary
The application seeks a 10-year permission for a large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) energy plant with a 35-year operational life on a 108.68ha site near Summerhill, Co. Meath. The development includes panels on metal support structures, 27 MV power stations, three substations, and associated infrastructure across three distinct land parcels. The site context is primarily agricultural (pasture and arable), with some areas located in the sensitive 'Tara Skryne Hills' landscape character area. Key...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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