Massive Kildare solar farm refused planning permission

Harmony Solar Longford are looking to build their 'Middleton House Solar Farm' near Killashee.

placeholder image — Harmony Solar Longford are looking to build their 'Middleton House Solar Farm' near Killashee.

Glint and glare assessments

Plans for a massive Kildare solar farm have been refused by Kildare County Council.

Windgates Solar Limited wanted to install solar panels at a 180ha site that took crossed the townlands of Cowanstown,

Kealstown, Bryanstown, Dowdstown, Donaghstown, Posseckstown, Taghadoe, Toolestown, Windgates, Rowanstown and Roosk.

Kildare County Council turned down the application for three reasons.

It said, given the site was productive agricultural land and the lack of information provided in relation to, biodiversity, noise, glint and glare, architectural and archaeological heritage and road safety, the proposed development does not comply with the County Development Plan.

The local authority also cited the lack of appropriate assessment screening and Natura Impact Statement in relation to breeding and wintering bird surveys.

The final reason related to the proximity of the early Christian Monastic Complex at Taghadoe, which includes a Round Tower, ruined church and graveyard, which are protected structures.