Clonmel solar farm given the go-ahead from An Bord Pleanála despite local objections
APPEAL: An Bord Pleanála found in favour of the applicant Springmount Solar Farm Limited
An Bord Pleanála has decided in favour of a developer of a proposed solar farm in Clonmel.
The proposed development will be for the townlands of Jamestown, Kilmolash Upper, and Rathkeevin.
Tipperary County Council had granted planning permission in April this year, but an appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanála by Alice Slattery of Woodroofe, Clonmel May.
The development consists of the construction and operation of a c. 60MW solar PV farm consisting of solar arrays on ground mounted steel frames, with a maximum overall height of 2.6 metres, internal underground electrical cabling and ducting and up to 20 transformers.
It will also consist of two temporary construction compounds, security fencing and cameras, two new gated site entrances from R687, drainage and landscaping.
The planning applicant is Springmount Solar Farm Limited.
An Bord Pleanála decided that subject to the compliance of conditions set out, the development would not have an unacceptable impact on the heritage, landscape or local amenities of the area.
It also found the development was acceptable in terms of public safety, traffic, convenience and ecology.
Finally, An Bord Pleanála said the development would make a “positive contribution” to Ireland’s renewable energy requirements.