Leamlara Preservation Group is taking a judicial review to the High Court following An Coimisiún Pleanála’s decision to overturn Cork County Council’s refusal of planning permission for a major industrial-scale solar farm proposed for the area.

The proposed development by Ballysallagh Solar Farm Limited would cover approximately 450 acres of rural east Cork, with local residents raising serious concerns about its scale, visual impact, proximity to homes, archaeological implications and environmental effects.

Additionally, the potential impact on water run-off has been highlighted as a concern in an area already acutely aware of flood risk, following the significant flooding in Midleton as a result of storm Babet in 2023.

Cork County Council had previously refused permission for the development, citing concerns including the scale and visual impact of the proposal, potential archaeological and cultural heritage issues and questions around surface water run-off.

Legal review

However, An Coimisiún Pleanála subsequently overturned that decision and Leamlara Preservation Group is seeking a legal review of the process as a result.

Leamlara Preservation Group is a local community action group established to protect the heritage, landscape and rural character of Leamlara and the surrounding area.

“We want to be very clear: we are not opposed to renewable energy,” chair of Leamlara Preservation Group Califf Delaney stated.

“Many of us support solar power and the transition to cleaner energy. But rural communities must have a meaningful voice in where and how major energy infrastructure is located.

“Developments of this scale cannot simply be imposed on communities without proper regard for the people, homes, heritage and landscape affected.”