149.1-hectare solar farm proposed at Drumroe Clashnagoneen Kilcannon (Osborne), Co. Waterford

In context

It is one of 16 solar farm applications Waterford City and 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 Waterford City and County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

10-year permission for a solar farm, within a total site area of c.149.12ha, comprising of the following:- - Solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames. The solar panels are arranged within a site area of c. 145.17ha, with an expected lifespan of 40 years; - 18 no. single-storey transformer stations; - 4 no. single-storey storage containers; - Underground electric ducting, cabling and joint bays within the development site and within the N72, R671, and unclassified local roads known locally as Nicholastown and Ballyard to connect the solar farm field parcels. The site area within the public road is c. 3.95ha; - An overhead networking cable of approximately 30m in length supported by 2no. wooden ESB poles crossing the River Finisk; - A new entrance to the Drumroe site from the N72, upgrades to 2 no. existing entrances at Clashnagoneen from the unclassified local roads known locally as Nicholastown and Ballyhane and 2 no. additional entrances to the northern parcels of the Clashnagoneen site from unclassified local road known locally as Ballyard, upgrades to the existing entrance to the Kilcannon site from the L1013, internal access tracks and a clear span bridge over the Clashnagoneen stream; - Security fencing, CCTV, landscaping and all associated ancillary site and development works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted to the Planning Authority with this application. This development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive (EU) 2023/2413) and it is important to note that the planning application may be subject to section 34D of the Planning and Development Act, 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.