Galway County Council refuses permission for 11.6-hectare solar farm at Kilnaborris, Lairakeen House Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

In context

It is one of 12 solar farm applications Galway County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 333 nationally. Of the 572 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 92% were granted.

What happens next

The applicant, or anyone who made a submission on the application, can appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála within four weeks of 14 November 2024. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

Verbatim from the Galway County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

for: (a) Conservation and protection of all existing viable trees and woodland areas and the natural environment as a fundamental objective of the development and the extensive planting of additional native tree species, as well as other planting proposals in keeping with biodiversity objectives, the design heritage of the estate and the proposed development. A small number of minor and diseased trees are proposed for removal to accommodate safe site circulation. (b) Construction of a visitor centre comprising a restaurant, café and gift shop, which will be fully universally accessible with interpretation and visitor servicing. (c) The provision of 10 no. timber shepherd's huts raised above ground levels, to conserve existing ground conditions and preserve through routes for movement of wildlife. The huts, arranged in a cluster, are confined to the north eastern portion of the lands, carefully respond to their specific site context, respecting existing woodlands and topographical conditions. The provision of an external guest communal area. (d) Provision of 2 no. butterfly domes, a garden dome with internal water feature, a media dome, vivarium and mining experience to provide interactive immersive experiences, enhancing awareness and promoting environmental stewardship. (e) Construction of a playground and petting farm area. (f) Provision of sensitively designed landscaped areas, including paths and paved terraces, native, ornamental and screen planting; seated areas; timber cycle shelters and pergolas and water features. Resurfacing of existing pathways with minor extensions and realignments to avoid tree canopy overhangs. (g) Sustainable energy sources with the use of roof-mounted renewable solar photovoltaic panels and plant. (h) Provision of an entrance gate to provide vehicular access from the R356, with related walls and signage, demolition of existing boundary wall and new hedgerow with post and rail fence to define boundary. (i) Construction of 1 no. permeable asphalt surfaced car park providing a total of 250 no. car parking spaces including 18 no. designated parking spaces and 6 no. bus parking spaces and a separate recreational vehicle (RV) area. The majority of the parking bays will be gravel and the designated parking bays will be asphalt. The car parking provision includes for the future installation of EV charging facilities for 20% of the car parking spaces. (j) Provision of public lighting/foul sewer drainage & all site works. (NIS)