2560611
develop the following within Co. Laois: • Linear arrays of solar PV panels on ground mounted steel supported structures with associated cabling and ducting (including onsite control and switch gear room and underground cable grid connection to the Bracklone 110kV substation); • 2 no. proposed single storey inverter stations; • A co-located Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) park (including 16 no. containers with cells and 4 no. containers with PCS and inverters) with associated security fencing and gates; • Site Perimeter fencing; • 1 no. new site entrance with palisade double security gates; • 1 no. temporary construction compound/carpark/material storage area with associated temporary site offices, parking areas and security fencing; • 1 no. temporary and 1 no. permanent steel storage containers; • Site access tracks including passing and turning bays; • On-site pole mounted CCTV cameras; • 1 no. temporary construction stage Moby Dick type wheel wash systems; • 1 no. Concrete wash out locations (within temporary construction compound); and • All associated and ancillary works The proposed solar farm development spans a total site area measuring 60.36 ha, of which 37.66 ha is located in Co. Kildare and 22.7 ha is located in Co. Laois. Permission is sought for a period of 10 years with an operational period of 40 years. The total capacity of Solar PV on the site is estimated to be 32 MW. An Appropriate Assessment Screening Report (AASR) and Natura Impact Statement (NlS) has been prepared for this development and submitted with this planning application. The development is covered by the provisions of the (RED III) Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive (EU) 2023/2413 ). The planning application is 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.
Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to insufficient information regarding ecological impacts on the River Barrow and River Nore SAC, inadequate assessment of the impact on the setting of Kilmullen House (a protected structure), and traffic safety concerns at the proposed R420 access point.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The Natura Impact Statement failed to quantify habitat loss or provide a cumulative impact analysis, meaning significant adverse effects on the River Barrow and River Nore SAC could not be ruled out.
- The Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment was not comprehensive enough to conclude that the development would not have a significant negative effect on the character and setting of Kilmullen House, a protected structure.
- The Planning Authority was not satisfied that the proposed new access point onto the Strategic Regional Route R420 would not endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard.