Council says it deals with solar farms on case-by-case basis

Kildare Co Council said there is currently no national policy on solar farms and so planners must deal with each proposed project individually.

Cllr Brendan Young had asked if there were strategic objectives or planning criteria for such facilities to be built in Co Kildare.

But the Council said: "Currently, there are no national policy guidelines in place regarding planning criteria or strategic objectives concerning the development of photovoltaic solar farms.

"As a result, Kildare County Council considers any application for planning permission for the development of photovoltaic solar farms on a case by case basis taking into account Chapter 8 of the County Development Plan (CDP) 2017 – 2023.

"All planning applications must have regard to Chapter 8 of the CDP and, in particular, with the policies contained in section 8.7 – Solar Energy."

A firm is seeking 10 year permission for a solar farm spanning over 47 hectares near Celbridge.

Elgin Energy Services Ltd wants to instal photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames in rows on the site.

Two months ago, permission was granted for a large new solar farm in Johnstownbridge area - Power Capital Renewable Energy will be installing 25,300 photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames within a site area of 11.50 hectares.

Plans have been lodged for other proposed projects in other areas of the county.