Fresh plans for 24-hectare solar farm submitted

Plans for a solar farm development between Ratoath and Ashbourne that were shot down earlier this year, have been resubmitted to Meath County Council.

Solar Farmers Ltd, part of Energia group, is seeking permission for a solar PV energy development with a total site area of 23.58 hectares at the townland of Ballybin, (Kilbrew ED), Ashbourne.

The proposed development includes solar panels mounted on steel support structures, associated cabling and ducting, five MV Power Stations, one client substation, one temporary construction compound, access tracks, hardstanding area, boundary security fencing and security gates, CCTV, landscaping and ancillary works.

A previous proposal for a solar farm development on the site was refused permission by the council in August due to a lack of stopping sightlines for traffic approaching the site entrance from the north-east, which the council felt would create a traffic hazard.

A new application was submitted on 30th September. It is proposed that the development would connect to the local electricity network and would generate enough renewable electricity to meet the annual energy needs of around 3,500 Irish households every year.

Meanwhile, an appeal has been lodged against the granting of a 10-year planning permission to Harmony Solar Meath Ltd for a solar farm in the Cortown area of Kells.

The proposal is for a solar farm development on two parcels of land - a 41.2 hectares site at Milltown and an 80.3 hectares site at Moyagher Lower- that would operate for 35 years.

A large number of local residents objected to the plans. One of the third-party appeals was lodged on behalf of 55 residents.