KCC Asks For Additional Information On 23 Points On Solar Farm On 44 Hectare North Kildare Site.

The applicants are seeking a 35 year operational lifespan.

Kildare County Council has asked for extra information on 23 points on a proposal for a solar farm in Celbridge.

Power Capital Renewable Energy Limited had applied for 10 year planning permission for its project, on a 44 hectare site at Griffinrath.

It sought a 35 year operational lifespan, and permission for 75,984 . photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames on the site.

KCC was scheduled to issue a decision yesterday.

However, it has asked for additional information on almost 2 dozen points.

This includes the submission of a "glint and glare" report, because of the proposed development's proximity to Weston and Casement aerodromes, the revision of the Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment already submitted, and the lodging of a traffic management plan.

In general, applicants have six months in which to supply any additional information requested by a planning authority.

The development description is as follows: "application for a 10 year permission for development on lands in the townland of Griffinrath, Celbridge. The development will consist of the construction of a solar PV farm with an operational life of 35 years comprising approximately 75,984 No. photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames within a site area of 44.21 hectares and associated ancillary development including 10 No. transformer stations, approximately 124 No. string-inverters, 1 No. onsite 38kV substation building, 1 No. 40ft storage container building, 7 No. CCTV security cameras mounted on 4 metre high poles and perimeter security fencing (2 metres high), the construction of an internal hardcore access road between the solar panels and the site access, localised improvements to an existing agricultural access from the adjoining L5065 road to facilitate construction and operational phase access and, the installation of a 38kV underground electricity cable from the onsite 38kV substation to the 110kV Griffinrath substation ca. 0.75km to the southeast. A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared in respect of the proposed development. All
Development Address:Griffinrath,Celbridge,Co. Kildare."