2560014
a ten year permission for a Solar PV Energy Development with associated Battery Energy Storage System on a site of 74.2 hectares comprising: solar panels on ground mounted steel frames, customer substation, switchgear substations, transformers, inverters, energy storage units, BIC Interface Cabinets (BIC) and BESS Inverters, twin MV transformer skid compacts, monitoring house units, spares containers, BESS intake substation and backup generator, new internal access tracks, new site entrances to the L-2813 public local road and the L-28131 public local road, perimeter security fencing, palisade security fencing, security gates, CCTV system, lighting poles, associated drainage infrastructure, associated ducting and electrical ducting, temporary construction compound, underground cables, landscaping, self-contained composting toilet, and all other ancillary and miscellaneous site works including site clearance, all with a 40 year operational period. As part of a separate Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) planning application, a 110kV electrical substation with electrical control building and associated compound will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála in due course. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been submitted to the Planning Authority with the application. Significant further information/revised plans submitted on this application
Core Refusal Reason
The Planning Authority determined that the application lacked sufficient technical detail and environmental assessment to permit the development, specifically regarding flood risk management, cumulative landscape impacts, and technical data on noise and glint/glare.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide a site-specific flood risk assessment based on hydraulic modelling, leaving significant uncertainty regarding the impact of the development on Flood Zones A and B.
- The cumulative landscape and visual impact of the proposal in conjunction with other permitted solar farms in the wider area has not been sufficiently demonstrated to allow for an informed assessment.
- Technical environmental reports, including Noise Impact, Glint and Glare, and Ecological Impact Assessments, require revision to account for cumulative effects and specific mitigation measures for residential amenity.