326-acre solar farm plan lodged with council

Plans for a large solar farm development on a 326-acre site at Killary and Rathkenny have been lodged with Meath Co Council.

Highfield Solar Limited is seeking a 10-year planning permission for the construction of a solar PV energy development within a total site area of approximately 131.93ha, to include solar PV panels ground mounted on steel support structures, electrical transformer/inverter station modules, storage containers, CCTV cameras, access tracks, fencing and associated electrical cabling, ducting and ancillary infrastructure. A Natura Impact Statement was submitted with the application.

Meanwhile, a separate application by Highfield Solar Limited for a ten-year planning permission for a 188.9 hectares solar farm in the townlands of Rathdrinagh, Sicily, Thomastown, Rahill, Drumman & Knockcommon, near the town of Duleek is currently at further information stage.

The plans were lodged in June for the development which consists of solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted steel frames and associated hard standing, inverter/transformer stations, underground power and communication cables and ducts, boundary security fence, CCTV cameras, upgraded internal access tracks, new internal access tracks, two new site entrances along the L5608 local road, underground electrical and communications cabling for approximately 700m along the L5608 local road and all associated services and development works including drainage infrastructure, temporary construction compound and landscaping. The planning application was accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement

On 25th July, Meath Co Council sought further information on the proposal and the company has a six-month period to submit this information.