Council settle on location for energy park that can supply large businesses
Plans for an Energy Park at Woodlands, Batterstown, which would accommodate large energy using businesses alongside low to zero carbon electricity generation, were outlined at a meeting of Meath County Council yesterday (Monday).
Meath County Council plans to vary the County Development Plan to allow for the development at Woodlands, which was identified as the ideal location.
The project was hailed as a huge opportunity for Meath, which will attract Foreign Direct Investment and create jobs for the county's growing population.
Councillors supported a proposal by Cllr Brian Fitzgerald to immediately begin the process of variation of the development plan.
Patrick Callan of Infranua consultants told the meeting that last weekend had shown how important energy is to our communities.
"Over 80 per cent of our energy is imported through, Foynes, Cork and Galway. We need to do it differently and more efficiently," he said.
Infranua and Engenuiti were engaged by Meath County Council to identify the best location for the park.
After initially considering 32 location, they carried out a detailed assessment of locations Kinnegad, Meathhill, and Woodlands.
Woodlands came out on top as existing infrastructure there included a 400kw substation and the east west interconnector from the UK connecting to the Irish grid.
Mr Callan said that a lot of solar development was planned for Meath and a gas generator was planned for Platin.
"What you are planning to do on a county basis is what the government want to do on a national basis."
Council CEO, Kieran Kehoe said the project was hugely important would "future proof" the county.
"What we are doing is building resilience for the future. It will have huge benefit in putting Meath front and centre for investment.
"When we mentioned this on our visit to Boston and New York, their eyes light up. They said we were the only people doing this. This is what businesses need as it removes a whole lot of risk.
"It future proofs us from a climate and energy perspective, it future proofs us from an economic and jobs point of view. We have the fastest growing population and the youngest population and this will provide jobs. Companies will be even more interested in coming into Meath.
"It is out intention to move quickly into a variation of the development plan," he said.
Cllr Joe Fox said it was a very exciting project and Meath County Council was the first local authority to do this. "We are ahead of the curve. This came up when we were abroad on our trade mission and we were told this is what companies are looking for.
"We are leading the way. This is real forward planning. Most companies now when they are starting up want to be carbon neutral and Meath will be well placed to provide their energy needs."
Cllr Brian Fitzgerald welcomed the proposal describing it as a great opportunity to attract Foreign Direct Investment. "What we should be looking at is Woodlands and a couple of hundred hectares to the northwest. If we go east, it would be getting close to Batterstown and Dunboyne. I propose today that the council initiate the variation of the development plan as quickly as possible so we can take the lead".
Cllr Alan Tobin said the Woodlands location made logical sense and asked how big an area would be zoned.
"This is very good for the county, especially when we are first out of the traps."
Cllr Gerry O'Connor said it was a fantastic opportunity which would provide a sustainable outcome. "I appreciate Meath County Council is leading the way on this. I like that it was a criteria based assessment.
"We have to grasp this opportunity in relation to the County Development Plan. It makes sense."
Cllr Nick Killian said it was a good news story and seconded Cllr Fitzgerald's proposal.
He asked if the project would be a replacement for the North South Interconnector.
Mr Callan said the NSI, whether overground or underground, was needed regardless of Woodlands from an energy security point of view.
- Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme