Meath County Council grants permission for 4.7-hectare solar farm at Bennetstown, Pace, Co. Meath

In context

It is one of 16 solar farm applications Meath County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 329 nationally. Of the 569 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 7 June 2024. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

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

The development will consist of: i. Construction of 3 no. office buildings with a cumulative gross floor area (GFA) of 13,729 sq.m ranging in height from 3 to 4- storeys and shall comprise the following: a. Building 1 (3,597 sq.m GFA) 3-storeys in height (12.35 metres to top of parapet), with a set back louvred screen 2m above parapet level. b. Building 2 (5,336 sq.m GFA) 4-storeys in height (16.125 metres to top of parapet), with a set back louvred screen 2m above parapet level. c. Building 3 (4,796 sq.m GFA) 4-storeys in height (16.125 metres to top of parapet), with a set back louvred screen 2m above parapet level. ii. Roof mounted solar PV panels (c. 180 sq.m combined area); iii. Provision of a 4-arm signalised junction replacing the existing Pace roundabout to include a new northern arm with segregated cycleway and footpath; iv. Access to the development is proposed from the new northern arm, with 6m wide internal access roads to serve the development; v. Upgrade works to the R157 and M3 Parkway access road to facilitate junction improvements; vi. A total of 275 surface car parking spaces including 14 disabled access bays and 55 electric car charging points; vii. 280 bicycle parking spaces in 3 secure cycle storage areas adjacent to the buildings; viii. Site signage is to be erected, all spot-lit and back-lit illuminated, including 2 no. type 1 entrance signs (6.15m x 2.4m) and 3 no. type 2 building signs (1.35m x 2.4m); ix. 3 standalone electricity substations; x. Foul sewer connection to existing public system including pumping station on site with rising mains along Kennedy Road and Navan Road; xi. Watermain connection to the north east of site at Pace for connection to Irish Water Infrastructure; xii. Permission is also sought for associated landscaping, boundary treatments, public lighting, plant, waste storage and all ancillary site and development works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development. Signficant further information/revised plans submitted on this application