More than 100 submissions to planned solar farm
Concerns over environment, safety and wildlife
MORE than 100 submissions have been lodged by residents, community groups and public representatives outlining concerns regarding a proposed 600-acre solar farm in North East Galway.
First proposed in June last year, the Belville Solar Farm project could be the largest solar farm in the county spanning across almost 600 acres of land in the townlands of Lissaniska, Oakwood South, Cahernaglass, Ryehill Demesne and elsewhere.
The planning application was lodged on Friday, August 7 by Heron Solar Ltd, a subsidiary company of Power Capitals Renewable Energy (PCRE) and a decision is expected early next month.
In recent weeks, the Oakwood Residents Group in Abbeyknockmoy, has hosted a series of information clinics in the area to assist residents who wanted to lodge a submission.
Another group Abbeyknockmoy and Monivea Against Solar Sprawl (AMASS) was set up last year in response to the solar farm proposal. It has raised concerns around the possible prolonged impact on livestock, the displacement of badgers and protected wildlife, the local ecology and environment, and the community.
Most of the submissions lodged raise concerns about the possible impact of the proposed development on the local environment and safety of the community.
They also outline fears regarding the proposed Battery Energy Storage System and the risk of fire.
Local roads
Submissions also question the suitability of the narrow local roads in the area for heavy goods traffic relating to the proposed development.
A submission made by Fianna Fail Senator Anne Rabbitte urges the planning authority to consider the validity and accuracy of the application regarding all necessary infrastructure and land folios involved in the development.
She noted inconsistencies between the information provided by the developer during the consultation process and that in the lodged application.
Galway East TD Louis O’Hara has also made a submission which raises specific concerns regarding the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) which he understands has been omitted from the planning application.
He argued that the application should clearly state whether the BESS has been removed from the development or not.