Permission Granted For Controversial Solar Farm On Kildare/Laois Border

The planning body has granted permission for the solar farm, subject to 24 conditions.

An Coimisiún Pleanála have granted planning permission for a solar farm on the Kildare/Laois border.

The project includes the installation of a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) farm across two sites – one in Coolnafearagh, Co. Kildare and the other in Kilmullen, Co. Laois.

The Laois site had originally been refused permission by Laois County Council which BNRG Bracklone successfully appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála afterwards.

The Kildare part of the site is currently an invalid application submitted to Kildare County Council, it is unclear if this will delay the overall project.

The planning body has granted permission for the solar farm, subject to 24 conditions.

The Kilmullen and Coolnafearagh Solar Plant Action Group have expressed their disappointment in the approval of the solar farm, arguing that they feel their concerns were "ignored".

They also voiced concerns of fatalities on the R420 where the site is located, noise issues as well as environmental and ecological concerns.

Member of Kilmullen and Coolnafearagh Solar Plant Action Group Gráinne O' Kane also expressed concern at a previous application that had been of a similar nature in Meath, which she says didn't adhere to it's noise requirements that were outlined, proceeding to cause disruption to local people.

They also say that the proposed entrance is a violation of Laois County Development Plan policies, "Trans 22 and Trans 23 which prohibit unnecessary access onto identified strategic R roads and roads over 50 kmph.

Other reasons for objection included giving up tillage land for development which they say is counter policy in that the Project Ireland 2040 National Planning Framework guides “an approach to carbon neutrality in the agriculture and land-use sector, including forestry, which does not compromise capacity for sustainable food production”.

A fire risk has also been raised as part of the group's objection, arguing that the proposed installation of a BESS (Battery Storage Facility) near resident’s homes is of concern, with the Planning Application even acknowledging this risk, according to the group.

Kildare County Council have been contacted for comment.