Meath County Council grants permission for 5.4-hectare solar farm at Clonymeath, Summerhill, 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 18 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) An extension to the permitted Clonymeath Solar Farm (Pl. Ref: 21/546, ABP Ref. 311760) comprising the construction and operation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm consisting of solar arrays on ground mounted steel frames with a maximum overall height of 3 metres above ground; (ii) 3 no. medium voltage power stations, underground electrical cabling and ducting, security fencing and CCTV stands; (iii) Provision of new internal access tracks linking with the access track permitted under Pl. Ref: 21/546, ABP Ref. 311760; (iv) Site drainage; (v) All ancillary site development works and apparatus. Planning permission is sought for a period of 10 years with an operational life of 35 years from the date of commissioning