2461180
for a period of 10 years to construct and complete a solar PV Energy Development with a total site area of 173.3 hectares comprising of transformer stations and GRP enclosures, solar PV ground mounted on support structures, temporary construction compounds, access tracks (existing, new and upgraded), perimeter fencing, electrical cabling and ducting, CCTV and other ancillary grid infrastructure and associated works. The solar farm would be operational for 40 years. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted with the application. The export capacity to the grid is estimated be c. 118MEC AC. Revised by Significant Further Information which consists of: An amended haul route which incorporates 8 passing bays (7 on the L5006 and one on the unnamed road west of the Application Site)
Core Refusal Reason
The Planning Authority determined that the application lacked sufficient technical and environmental information to demonstrate that the large-scale solar farm would not adversely impact road safety, residential amenity, and the integrity of protected ecological sites and species.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The submitted Natura Impact Statement and ecological assessments were insufficient to rule out significant adverse effects on the River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC/SPA and protected species including otters, kingfishers, and badgers.
- The proposed haul routes and site accesses were deemed unsuitable for the scale of construction traffic, requiring further technical justification, a Road Safety Audit, and formal agreements from third-party landowners for road improvements.
- There was a lack of adequate assessment regarding the cumulative impacts of the development on the local environment, specifically concerning noise levels, glint and glare, and the hydrological stability of the adjacent Ballina Bog pNHA.