Equine Objections Overruled As Massive Kildare Solar Project Approved Near Kilcullen

Thursday, 29 August 2024 08:56

By Martin Osborne

The appeals board found no significant impact on the area's amenities or equine activities, clearing the way for the project's construction.

An Bord Pleanála has approved plans for a 600-acre solar farm across 12 townlands near Kilcullen, despite concerns from the equine industry.

The project, led by Delamain Solar Farm Ltd, will install over 1.13 million square meters of solar panels.

The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) argued the development could harm local stud farms, including the historic Gilltown Stud.

The (ITBA) said granting the solar farm "would deal a devastating blow to the future of stud farming in Kildare and has the potential to wipe out the industry in this part of Kildare".

However, the appeals board found no significant impact on the area's amenities or equine activities, clearing the way for the project's construction.

The facility will have an operational lifespan of 40 years and have a maximum export capacity of around 210 megawatts of electricity.

The estimated construction value of the project is €197 million, according to the Construction Information Services database.

The facility is being developed by Dublin-based firm Delamain Solar Farm Limited.

The solar farm will span across the townlands of Brannockstown, Brownstown, Carnalway, Coughlanstown West, Corbally, Delamain, Dunnstown, Gaganstown, Greenhills, Harristown, Hillsborough, Moorhill And Rochestown.

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