Plans submitted for controversial solar farm in Kentstown

A PLANNING application seeking permission for a 400-acre solar farm outside Kentstown, in the same locality where residents are currently fighting a planned gas-fired peaking power plant, has been submitted to Meath County Council.

Residents were aware the application was imminent after developer Highfield Solar Limited shared details of the project about two months ago and the planning application for the proposed development at Curraghtown, Veldonstown, Kentstown and Flemingstown, Navan, was lodged with Meath County Council last week

Highfield Solar Limited is seeking a 10-year permission for the construction of a solar PV energy development within a total site area of approximately 162.64ha to include solar PV panels ground mounted on steel support structures. A Natura Impact Statement accompanies the application.

The solar farm, if approved, would be operational for 35 years and afterwards would be decommissioned with the lands returned to their original state.

The company previously indicated that the solar farm would be connected to the grid via a new substation on the development land and that a separate planning application would be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála for this pending confirmation that it constitutes a Strategic Infrastructural Development (SID).

The proposed solar farm covers an extensive area and surrounds the site where Polarisgate Ltd was recently granted planning permission by Meath County Council for a controversial 180 MW gas-fired peaking power plant.

There was massive opposition in the locality to the Polarisgate project with 200 submissions made against the development and appeals against the granting of planning permission are currently with An Coimisiun Pleanala.