Galway County Council has refused planning permission for a large-scale solar farm proposed for the Ballyglunin, Abbeyknockmoy and Monivea areas, citing 11 reasons including environmental concerns, flood risk, road safety and questions over legal rights to the land.

Heron Solar Ltd, a subsidiary of Power Capital Renewable Energy, had sought permission for the development across approximately 590ac, with a proposed operational lifespan of 40 years.

The project would have included more than one million square metres of ground-mounted solar panels, 32 medium-voltage stations, underground cabling, access tracks and associated infrastructure.

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The application attracted significant local opposition, with more than 300 submissions lodged by residents, community groups and public representatives.

Site suitability and grid connection

In its decision, the council raised concerns about the suitability of the location, which is classified as 'less likely viable' under the Local Authority Renewable Energy Strategy.

Planners also highlighted uncertainty surrounding the proposed grid connection and substation, concluding that the development was premature without sufficient assurance regarding the viability of the necessary infrastructure.

The council also raised concerns about the applicant's legal entitlement to carry out the proposed development on the lands involved.

It stated that it was not satisfied that the applicant had demonstrated sufficient legal interest in the lands or obtained the necessary approval from those holding such an interest.

The council concluded that the applicant had not clearly demonstrated all appropriate legal consents, rendering the development premature on this basis.

Environmental concerns included potential impacts on the Lough Corrib special area of conservation, deficiencies in the environmental impact assessment screening report and inadequate information addressing flood risk.

The council said it could not exclude adverse effects on the protected conservation site based on the information submitted.

Road safety

The council also raised concerns about the impact of underground cabling on public roads and utilities, the suitability of local roads for construction traffic and safety clearances around existing overhead electricity lines.

Further reasons for refusal included potential interference with Uisce Éireann infrastructure, shortcomings in the glint and glare assessment and an incomplete archaeological and cultural heritage assessment.

The council concluded that the proposed development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

The developer may appeal the refusal to An Coimisiún Pleanála.