2560326

for the construction of a solar PV development and an ‘under the fence’ transformer compound on a ca. 180ha site consisting of: I. Solar PV panels laid out in arrays across the Site; II. 39 No. inverter units (ca. 2.9m (h) x ca. 6.1m (l) and 2.4(w)); III. 1 No. control room structure (5m (h) x 15.3m (l) and 3.7m (w)); IV. 1 No. transformer unit (ca. 6m x ca. 4m) and associated bund; V. Security fencing around the ‘under the fence’ transformer compound (2.65m high); VI. Electrical and communications cabling; VII. Pole-mounted security cameras; VIII. Perimeter security fencing (2m high) and security gates; IX. Upgrade of 3 No. existing Site entrances; X. Development of 2 No. new Site entrances; XI. 3 No. temporary construction compounds; XII. Internal access tracks; and, XIII All associated ancillary development, landscaping and reinstatement works

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The proposal was refused due to insufficient information regarding its impact on biodiversity, archaeology (specifically the Taghadoe Monastic Complex), residential amenity (noise/glint), and road safety, as well as potential negative effects on European sites and the loss of productive agricultural land.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The applicant failed to provide adequate information to demonstrate that the development would not negatively impact biodiversity, residential amenity (noise and glint/glare), and road safety, particularly on productive agricultural land.
  • The Appropriate Assessment and Natura Impact Statement were deemed deficient, failing to rule out significant adverse effects on the integrity of European sites, specifically regarding bird species and groundwater impacts.
  • The proposed development would have an unacceptable negative visual impact on the setting and character of the early Christian Monastic Complex at Taghadoe, a National Monument of significant archaeological importance.

Cited Policies (CDP)

EC O17EC O21Section 7.6BI O9BI O10AH O21AH 032AH O4AH O5RD 07RE O89TM O75TM O95EC O9EC P5EC O18EC O19EC O23EC O24EC O25EC O26RD O2AH O2AH O3BI O6BI O7BI O18BI O26BI O27LR P1LR O1LR O3LR O4LR O10

Decision Document Summary

Windgates Solar Limited sought permission for a 180ha solar farm with a 135MW capacity across several townlands south of Maynooth, Co. Kildare. The development included a transformer compound, control room, and associated infrastructure on productive agricultural land. Kildare County Council refused the application primarily because the applicant failed to provide sufficient technical data to assess impacts on biodiversity, archaeology, and residential amenity. Specifically, the proximity to the...
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