‘Major’ Waterford solar farm gets go-ahead despite widespread local opposition

Planning permission has been granted for the development of a “major” solar farm in County Waterford, despite widespread local opposition.

The site, with a total area of 43.6 hectares, will be located between Portlaw and Ballyduff Lower, at an address of Lahardan, Glenhouse, Kilmoyemoge, Co Waterford.

The development, which is being planned by Cullenagh Solar Farm Limited, will consist of solar panels laid out in arrays across the site on ground-mounted frames and ballast mounts.

Nine transformer inverter stations, along with the corresponding electrical cables, will also be constructed.

As well as that, a new entrance will be developed along the L4026 road.

READ NEXT: 'I started with dad at seven' - Waterford fishmonger joins elite club with new award

All associated ancillary site development, drainage, landscaping and reinstatement works will also be carried out.

The planning application for the development was submitted by Cullenagh Solar Farm Limited on September 15.

Over 100 submissions were made in relation to the project, the majority of which came from local residents.

Concerns were raised over a number of issues, including the potential environmental impact on wildlife in the area.

The High Road Residents Committee said that its members are “feeling really challenged, worried and disappointed at the obvious negative impacts” that the development would have.

It also stated that there was “emotional devastation at the idea that a pervasive, great, grey steel and composite glass will envelope and cloak their elevated landscape and hence forth, dominate and subjugate them in their everyday life and living”.

“Cullenagh Solar Farm Limited seem indifferent to the existing and potential ecological, environmental damage, and risks to human health and well-being they are attempting to impose on our High Road Community and our families,” the submission added.

A number of local councillors also voiced their objections to the development.

Fine Gael councillor Liam Brazil said that local residents had “serious concerns” about the project, which is set to take place in a “lovely, quiet area”.

His party colleague, Cllr Seanie Power, noted that the site was on agricultural land and argued that it should be used for farming purposes.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil councillor John O’Leary raised the issue of traffic impacts and the potential contamination of the local water supply.

One local couple stated: “This proposed development will seriously impact on our mental health and well-being.

“As a couple nearing our retirement years, this is the last thing we need when we should be enjoying life in the quiet, peaceful countryside, which we spent our whole lives striving for.”

Another resident stated: “Many residents, including myself, have chosen to live in this rural environment to be close to nature, enjoy green open spaces and maintain a peaceful lifestyle.

“Transforming these surroundings into an industrial installation - covered with vast expanses of black plastic panels and fenced perimeters - would fundamentally alter the character of this area.”

Despite these objections, Waterford City and County Council granted planning permission for the development on December 2.

A total of 24 conditions are attached to the decision.