Uncertainty in Galway over whether enforcement notice site will feature in major solar farm project
Uncertainty remains in Galway over whether a planning application for what could become Ireland’s largest solar farm will include land subject to enforcement notice.
Recent email correspondence revealed Power Capital Renewable Energy (PCRE) is “about to” submit a planning application for the Belleville Solar Farm, a project comprising up to 258.1 hectares of solar panels and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Abbeyknockmoy and Monivea.
However, uncertainty remains over an important parcel of land at Oakwood South. At this time, the site is subject to an enforcement notice by Galway County Council relating to alleged unauthorised clearing works.
BESS are lithium-ion storage houses designed to store excess electricity generated by solar panels and release it when production drops, ensuring a steady supply.
Email correspondence seen by the Irish Independent shows PCRE planning managers contacted Galway County Council on June 29 seeking clarification on which parts of Oakwood South were covered by the enforcement action. The email also confirmed the company’s planning application was not far off.
Earlier this year, Galway County Council identified unauthorised land clearance works, along with the construction of pathways and rock-crushing activity, extending from the eastern boundary into the wooded area of Oakwood South. The works were found to extend towards the centre of the land near a recorded National Monument.
On March 16, the council issued an enforcement notice to Kings Valley Farm Limited, whose branding was identified on diggers carrying out the works. No enforement notice was issued to PCRE.
When contacted by the Irish Independent on April 1, PCRE said it had “no connection” to the matter.
The company reiterated its position in June, telling the Irish Independent that it had not “undertaken any unauthorised works.” It also indicated that the enforcement notice lands would be removed from the plans.
However, the latest correspondence suggests Oakwood South remains under consideration as part of the wider proposal.
That has prompted questions over how the pending planning application will address lands that remain subject to an active enforcement case.
Galway County Council officials told the Irish Independent enforcement cases are case specific. While an active case could contribute to a planning refusal, it is not always the case.
Galway East TD Albert Dolan told the Irish Independent he met with PCRE representatives on Thursday, July 2 to discuss the project. He said he understood the company is to submit a planning application in August, but was unsure how that process would proceed while an enforcement notice remains active.
The Irish Independent has contacted PCRE on the outstanding planning permission in relation to Oakwood South land.