Planning permission sought for 148ha solar farm in Meath

Planning permission has been sought for a 148ha solar farm in Co. Meath.

The company, Solar Farmers Ltd, which is part of the Energia Group, has lodged an application this week for the development of a solar farm, consisting of solar panels mounted on steel support structures, associated cabling and ducting, three client substations and 39MV power stations.

The development plans include: seven battery storage containers; three temporary construction compounds; access tracks and a hard-standing area. The site will be protected by boundary security fencing and security gates; CCTV; landscaping; and ancillary works.

The proposed development will be on lands in areas: Rogerstown; Smithstown; Calliaghstown; Piltown; and Ballymad.

‘Contrary to proper planning’

Yesterday, AgriLand reported that planning permission has been refused for a 127ha solar farm to be developed in Co. Carlow.

Terra Solar II Ltd, a Dublin-based solar developer, applied for a 10-year planning permission for a solar farm to be developed in the Ballon and Rathoe area of the county.

Carlow County Council refused permission on the grounds that the overall size and scale of the development would be contrary to the energy policy of the Carlow County Development Plan 2015-2021. The size would span over 127ha, with it having the maximum capacity of up to 95MW.

According to the council documents, the proposed development would be contrary to “proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.

Amazon announces new wind farm project for Galway

Meanwhile, international online commerce and retail company Amazon has announced a new wind farm project for Co. Galway, which is set to begin operating in 2022.

The wind farm, planned to be built in the area of Ardderroo, to the north-west of Galway city, is aimed at supporting Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centres nationwide.

The 115MW project comes on the heels of the existing project in Esk, Co. Cork, which will come online next month, and the Meenbeg wind farm in Co. Donegal, which is due to follow in early 2022.