Changes sought to permitted 2-hectare solar farm at Taduff East, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

In context

It is one of 9 solar farm applications Roscommon County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 337 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 Roscommon County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

Permission for amendments to previously permitted solar PV farm (RCC Pl. Ref. PD/21/350), within the townland of Taduff East, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. The proposed development will comprise of: • The addition of solar PV arrays on ground mounted steel frames, with a maximum overall height of 3m, over an area of c. 1.98ha; •1 no. transformer/inverter station; • Internal underground electrical cabling and ducting between the solar PV arrays and inverter/transformer station; • And all associated ancillary site development works and services, including security fencing; • The decommissioning and reinstatement of the solar farm at the end of its operational life. Planning permission is sought for a period of 10 years with an operational life of 30 years from the date of commissioning. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) accompanies this Planning Application. The NIS assesses the construction and operation of the proposed development, as well as the integral elements of the wider project infrastructure of the consented TDC Community Solar Park (RCC Pl. Ref. PD/21/350), comprising solar PV arrays, inverter and transformer stations, underground cabling and ducting, temporary construction compound, fencing, CCTV, access tracks, site drainage and landscaping, all of which are essential infrastructure associated with the operation of the proposed development. This development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive (EU) 2023/2413). The planning application is subject to Section 34D of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. When a notice issues in accordance with Section 34D(b), the provisions of Article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 shall apply. The proposed development is within the townland of