A decision to grant planning permission for a 275ac solar farm in Co Longford has been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
Longford County Council recently approved plans by BNRG Ballymahon Ltd for the development of the solar farm across the townlands of Tirlickeen, Cartronbrack, Clogh, Corryena and Lismacmorrough.
However, the decision was challenged by local resident Tommy Doyle of Lislea, Longford, who lodged an appeal citing what he described as a number of fundamental shortcomings in the planning application and assessment process.
Concerns
Among the issues he raised were concerns over traffic management, haulage routes and the volume of heavy goods vehicle movements associated with the project.
The appeal also argued that the visual and residential amenity impacts on nearby homes were not adequately considered.
Further concerns related to alleged deficiencies in the project's glint and glare assessment, as well as archaeological reports submitted as part of the application.
The appeal additionally highlighted potential construction-phase impacts, including noise, dust and general disturbance, which it claims were not sufficiently addressed.
BNRG Ballymahon Ltd will now have an opportunity to respond to the appeal before An Coimisiún Pleanála makes its determination.
The appeal process is expected to delay the project by several months and could ultimately result in the permission being upheld, amended or overturned.
Proposal
The proposed development would cover a total site area of approximately 233 acres and have an estimated export capacity of up to 80MW to the national grid.
Plans include the installation of approximately 700,000 square metres of solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays. Around 355,000 square metres would consist of ground-mounted solar panels supported by steel frame structures, with the remaining area allocated to spacing between solar array rows and associated infrastructure.
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