In-person consultation needed for Belville solar farm project

Call for communication with community

THE company proposing a largescale solar farm in Abbeyknockmoy and Monivea areas may not facilitate a second in-person public consultation.

The Bellville Solar Farm project proposed last year by Power Capital Renewable Energy (PCRE), has faced a huge backlash from the local community due to lack of information on the plans and health and safety concerns.

A pre-planning application public consultation event was held by the company in June last year, which locals claim was not well advertised or attended by people in the community.

Since then, members of the public along with Abbeyknockmoy Monivea Against Solar Sprawl (AMASS) group, have been demanding another consultation event and clarification on the impact of this project on residents and the environment.

After promising a second public consultation event for almost a year, the company has now indicated that instead of an in-person consultation, they will be holding an online consultation.

Sinn Fein TD for Galway East Louis O’Hara has criticised PCRE for not fulfilling their promise.

“They made this commitment last year after holding a consultation that was poorly advertised and not well attended. Several months have passed with no explanation as to why this promised event has not taken place,” remarked Deputy O’Hara.

He believes that an online consultation is not going to be accessible for many members of the community and will not allow for real engagement and feedback.

Deputy O'Hara said the change of plan was concerning and called on the company to treat the local community with respect and facilitate an in-person consultation event as promised.