23/5947
The proposed development will consist of; 1) the construction of a stationary battery energy storage system which will include 154 no. 20ft. containers and 22 no. medium voltage transformers and connection to the existing substation, 2) the construction of a new internal access road, to connect to an internal road previously permitted under application register reference: 19/6783, which will connect to an existing internal road on the Marino Point site, with access from an existing entrance on the R624, 3) heating, ventilation and air condition units and all other associated site, boundary and development works. A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared in respect of the proposed development and will be submitted to the planning authority with this application.
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal constitutes a highly vulnerable use in a high-risk flood zone and fails to comply with the port-related industrial zoning objectives for the site.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development is located within flood zones A and B and failed the Development Management Justification Test and sequential approach required for highly vulnerable uses.
- The proposed use is not considered a specific port-related activity, resulting in a material contravention of the Special Policy Area objective X-01 of the Cork County Development Plan 2022.
- The proposal would set an undesirable precedent for non-port-related developments in the vicinity and is considered prejudicial to public health and sustainable development.