Plans lodged for 467-acre solar farm in Duleek area

Plans for a 467-acre solar farm in the Duleek area have been lodged with Meath Co Council by Highfield Solar Limited.

The company is seeking a ten-year permission and 35 year operation life for the development on a 188.9 hectares site in the townlands of Rathdrinagh, Sicily, Thomastown, Rahill, Drumman and Knockcommon, near the town of Duleek.

The proposed development 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.

As part of a separate Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) application for consent will be sought for the provision of a 110kV on-site electrical substation and associated works from An Bord Pleanala. The planning application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement.

Highfield Solar Limited recently received planning permission for a separate application for a solar farm at Downestown, Duleek. A 10-year permission was granted for the construction of a solar PV energy development within a total site area of approximately 18.92hectares at Downestown, Duleek.

Last year, an application by the company to amend the lifetime of a solar farm granted permission in 2016 from 25 years to 35 years was approved. The proposed development concerns a site of 131.37 hectares at Garballagh, Thomastown, Gillinstown, Duleek.

In 2021, the company was also granted planning permission for the construction of a solar PV Energy development with a site area of 81.3 hectares at Garballlagh and Gaskinstown, Duleek.