73-hectare solar farm proposed at Newton Clashard, Abbeyknockmoy, Co. Galway

In context

It is one of 12 solar farm applications Galway County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 335 nationally. Of the 573 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 92% were granted.

What happens next

The five-week window for public submissions has closed. The council normally decides within eight weeks of the application being lodged, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

The development description, as lodged

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

for the "change of use" of part of this existing historical property to facilitate agri-tourism and as described as follows: the refurbishment and conversion of the existing attached barns (Block C) into 3 apartments and facilities areas & the refurbishment and conversion of the old attached service area wing (Block B) into 3 Apartments and facilities areas; the recovery & refurbishment of the main residence (Block A) that maintains the existing character and use of the dwelling; to upgrade the existing courtyard and gardens to reflect the original design and character of the property; to install a new proprietary effluent treatment system and percolation area to replace the old style septic tank system; the provision of a ground-mounted solar panel system within part of the overall estate grounds. The above proposed developments are proposed for the existing Newton House, which is a protected structure RPS No. 84