Meath County Council grants permission for 34-hectare solar farm at Liscartan and Knockumber, Navan, Co. Meath

In context

It is one of 16 solar farm applications Meath County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 351 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 16 April 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.

a ten-year planning permission for a solar energy development with a total site area of approximately 34 hectares comprising (i) photovoltaic solar panels on steel mounting frames; (ii) electrical inverters; (iii) electrical power stations; (iv) an electrical control building and associated electrical apparatus; (v) underground electrical and communications cabling; (vi) on-site access tracks; (vii) a temporary construction compound; (viii) security fencing and security gates; (ix) pole-mounted security cameras; and (x) all associated and ancillary site development, landscaping and reinstatement works. The operational lifetime of the proposed development is 35-years. This development is related to an activity requiring an Industrial Emissions Licence. This planning application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report and a Natura Impact Statement