2357

to apply for a 10-year planning permission for development at land to the west/north west of Ardnacrusha within the townlands of Castlebank, Glenlon North, Glenlon South, Drummin and Ballykeelaun, for the development of a solar farm on a site of approximately 70 hectares consisting of the following; up to 309,008 sq.m of solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted steel frames; a 38 kV electrical substation with electrical control building and associated compound with palisade fence; the installation of up to 21 no. inverter/transformer stations on 7 no. hardstanding locations; underground power and communication cables and ducts, including underground cabling along the L3056 public road; new and upgraded internal access tracks (including stream crossings as required); 3 no. upgraded site entrances to the public road (one entrance to L-3054 (Lackyle Heights), and 2 no. entrances to L-30541); boundary fencing; landscaping and biodiversity enhancement measures; and all associated ancillary development, site works and services. The solar farm will be operational for 40 years. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development and will be submitted to the planning authority with the application