Courts / Offaly / Report

Supreme Court dismisses bid by residents to halt midlands solar farm

Summary

The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by the Concerned Residents of Treascon and Clondoolusk, who opposed An Bord Pleanala's October 2021 decision to grant planning permission for a solar energy facility operated by Elgin Energy Services Limited on a 90‑hectare site in Portarlington, Co. Offaly. The residents argued that the board's decision was invalid because it contravened EU directives on habitats and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). The Court found the substantive issues raised were misconceived or premature, noting that the removal of hedgerows did not trigger a full EIA for the entire project. Justice Brian Murray, joined by Justices Donal O'Donnell, Seamus Woulfe, Maurice Collins and Aileen Donnelly, upheld the board's decision. The High Court had previously rejected the residents' claims, and the Supreme Court's dismissal confirmed that the appeal was not supported by the necessary legal grounds. The case remains a judicial review against An Bord Pleanala and the Attorney General.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Supreme Court dismisses bid by residents to halt midlands solar farm. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• October 2021 Other
• 2024-07-04 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report