63-hectare solar farm proposed at Ashbourne, Co. Meath

In context

It is one of 17 solar farm applications Meath County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 335 nationally. Of the 573 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 92% were granted.

What happens next

The five-week window for public submissions has closed. The council normally decides within eight weeks of the application being lodged, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

The development description, as lodged

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

the proposed development comprises a 10-year planning consent for a ground-mounted solar PV energy installation on a site of approximately 62.96 hectares. It will include solar panels mounted on fixed-tilt frames with associated pile-driven support structures, inverters, transformers, a client substation, internal access tracks, underground cabling, perimeter deer fencing, CCTV security poles, welfare facilities and a temporary construction compound. Site access will be provided via an existing upgraded and widened entrance onto the R155. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been submitted with this application