Mayo County Council grants permission for 4.5-hectare solar farm at Knock Airport Business Park, Charlestown, Co. Mayo

In context

It is one of 3 solar farm applications Mayo 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 6 September 2024. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

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

The proposed development will consist of the following: 1. The construction of a two-storey warehouse and cargo facility for import, export & storage services. This facility will include Heavy Good Vehicle (HGV) loading and unloading facilities, storage area, customs area, staff welfare, offices and roof mounted photovoltaic panels. 2.Vehicular public access from Airport Road (L1905) and secured link road from Airside to Landside. Provision of associated site infrastructure of 15 no. HGV trailer parking spaces, 10 no. sheltered bicycle stands and 163no. car parking facilities (including 6 no. electric vehicle parking spaces). 3. Installation of a sprinkler storage tank, associated pump house, security hut, site lighting, hard and soft landscaping, boundary treatments and external logo signage. 4. All other associated and ancillary development and works above and below ground level to complete the project in accordance with building regulations. This application relates to development within a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK). An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development.