Kerry County Council grants permission for 5.8-hectare solar farm at Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, Railway Road Kenmare, Co. Kerry

In context

It is one of 11 solar farm applications Kerry County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 329 nationally. Of the 571 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 30 July 2024. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

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

The development consists of: i A new two storey school building standalone extension c.1407m2, incorporating Classrooms, Specialist Teaching spaces, Offices and Ancillary accommodation. Services to include roof mounted photovoltaic panels, tank room & plant room. ii A new single storey school building standalone extension c.544m2, incorporating, Specialist Teaching spaces, Special Education Needs Unit, Offices and Ancillary accommodation. Services to include roof mounted photovoltaic panels. iii An external heat pump and gas tank compound. iv The demolition of an existing canteen building. v The demolition of an existing prefabricated classroom building. vi The removal of 2 no. existing prefab buildings located on the Northeast boundary of the site. vii The provision of 3 no. multi-use ballcourts viii The provision of new Pedestrian entrance gates and boundary wall treatments to the existing wall along Railway Road. ix New internal access roadways and footpaths, hard and soft landscaping, site lighting, and all ancillary site works, including a temporary construction site access route off the Railway Road. The proposed development comprises of works within the demesne of a protected structure – Poor Claires Convent - RPS Reg. No. 93-10-3