Planning refused for solar farm

PLANNING permission has been refused for the large-scale Belville Solar Farm project proposed for almost 600acres of land in Ballyglunin, Abbeyknockmoy and Monivea.

Galway County Council cited 11 grounds for refusing the project, after a planning application had been lodged in August to build a solar farm with an operational lifespan of 40 years in the townlands of Lissaniska, Oakwood South, Cahernaglass, Ryehill Demesne, Carrowmore and elsewhere.

Over 100 submissions on the proposed solar farm were made by local residents, community groups and public representatives.

The planning application was lodged by Heron Solar Ltd, a subsidiary company of PCRE (Power Capitals Renewable Energy (PCRE). An appeal against the local authority’s decision can be made to An Coimisiún Pleanála within four weeks from the date of the decision.