23419
Permission for (i) Construction of a Stationary Battery Storage Facility which includes eighty four 20 ft containers and fourteen medium voltage transformers; (ii) Construction of single storey substation building and bund to facilitate transformer plant along with a new internal access road to connect to the existing road network within the Xerox Technology Park lands; (iii) All associated site and development works; (iv) This application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement. *SFI received on 15/08/2024 which includes a revised Natura Impact Statement*.
Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to significant information deficiencies regarding environmental impacts (Appropriate Assessment), flood risk management, archaeological heritage protection, and non-compliance with the Mullagharlin Framework Plan.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The Natura Impact Statement (NIS) contained significant anomalies and failed to adequately assess potential impacts on the Dundalk Bay SAC and SPA, particularly regarding surface water management and flood risk.
- The proposal failed to demonstrate that it would not adversely affect recorded archaeological monuments (LH012-005002 and LH012-005001) located within the site and along the proposed access route.
- The proposed site layout and access arrangements are inconsistent with the Mullagharlin Framework Plan (MFP), potentially jeopardizing the planned hierarchy of networks and connectivity in the area.