22/5681
A 10 year planning permission for the construction of, and a 40 year operation and subsequent decommissioning of, a development consisting of a 42.6 hectare solar farm. The proposed solar farm will consist of a series of ground mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, mounted on steel support structures and in some areas of potential archaeological remains on concrete blocks/shoes, together with 28 no. electrical transformation enclosures, a temporary construction compound, use of existing farm access tracks, existing site entrance, underground cabling, inverters, CCTV poles and cameras, deer type security/boundary fencing, landscaping and biodiversity measures and all associated ancillary development works, for the purpose of generating renewable energy electricity. A Natura Impact Statement will be submitted to the Planning Authority with this application.
Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed solar farm is consistent with national and regional renewable energy policies and the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028, and it is determined that the project will not cause significant adverse impacts to the landscape character, residential amenities, or the integrity of nearby European Sites including the Blackwater River SAC and Kilcolman Bog SPA.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development is in accordance with the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028 and makes a positive contribution to Ireland's renewable energy requirements and security of supply.
- The proposed mitigation measures adequately address potential impacts on the Blackwater River SAC and the Whooper Swan population associated with the Kilcolman Bog SPA, satisfying the requirements of the Habitats Directive.
- Condition 44 of the Planning Authority's decision, which omitted a significant portion of the solar panels, is not justified as there is no firm scientific evidence that the site is an essential foraging area for protected bird species.