Plans for large-scale solar farm refused by Galway County Council

Community group welcome decision

GALWAY County Council refused planning permission last week for a large-scale solar farm spanning almost 600 acres.

Heron Solar Ltd, a subsidiary of PCRE (Power Capitals Renewable Energy), sought planning permission for the development of a solar farm with an operational lifespan of 40 years in Ballyglunin, Abbeyknockmoy and Monivea in townlands including Lissaniska, Oakwood South, Cahernaglass, Ryehill Demesne, and Carrowmore.

The proposal attracted significant interest and opposition, with more than 300 submissions lodged by residents, community groups, and public representatives.

The council cited 11 grounds for refusing the development, including a lack of legal consent from the local landowners on whose lands the development was proposed.

Further grounds for rejection include a lack of technical justification for the development at a location which has been zoned ‘Less Likely Viable’ in the Local Authority Renewable Energy Strategy (LARES), the adverse effects the project might have on Lough Corrib SAC (Special Area of Conservation), and an absence of detailed design required for PV panels within sensitive and flood-prone areas.

The council found that the environmental impact assessment screening report was inadequate and raised concerns with the impact the project would have on local public roads and carriageways in the area.

Council planners stated that the project may restrict the local authority from carrying out essential future works in the area including drainage upgrades and the installation or extension of Group Water Schemes. The decision also highlighted that the applicant had not submitted enough evidence of consulting with the ESB/EirGrid regarding overhead lines which could represent a safety hazard.

Road safety, an inefficient glint and glare assessment, and an incomplete archaeology and cultural heritage assessment are also mentioned as grounds for rejecting the proposed solar farm.

Applicant disappointed

A spokesperson for PCRE has expressed disappointment with the council’s decision.

“There is a clear need for increased solar generation in Ireland to meet Government targets around decarbonisation, secure energy independence, and lower energy bills.

“While we are disappointed by the decision of Galway County Council to refuse the Bellville planning application, we will take time to review the reasons given and consider next steps,” said the spokesperson.

The community group Abbeyknockmoy and Monivea Against Solar Sprawl (AMASS) set up in response to the planned solar farm last year has welcomed the decision.

“A project cannot be assembled through ambiguity. It cannot depend on unclear land consents. It cannot leave essential grid infrastructure uncertain,” said a spokesperson for AMASS.