2.4-hectare solar farm proposed at Millview Housing Estate, Corcloon, Co. Westmeath

In context

It is one of 7 solar farm applications Westmeath 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 Westmeath County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

development that will consist of: (1) Provision of Constructed Wetland (CW) type Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) for the treatment of wastewater from the Millview Housing Estate comprising 1 no. septic tank and 3 no. CW ponds; (2) Decommission of the existing Millview WWTP; (3) Provision of a new terminal Wastewater Pumping Station (WWPS) and stormwater management at the site adjacent to the existing Millview WWTP; (4) Construction of maintenance road surrounding the CW ponds and connecting the existing and proposed WWTPs; (5) Installation of a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) array; (6) Ancillary works associated with the development including the associated pipework, fencing, and landscaping. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted to the Planning Authority with this application. This application is seeking a 10-year permission.