Plans lodged in Meath for ‘40-year operation’ solar farm
Plans for a new solar farm in Meath have been lodged to Meath County Council.
A ten year permission is being sought for a 40-year operation of a solar farm across the townlands of Chamberstown, Scottstown, Shalvanstown, Mullagha, Rathcoon and Corballis.
The proposed development, put forwarded by Circal Oak Solar Limited, covers approximately 559,033 square metres and will consist of ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on metal frames with a maximum height of 2.96 metres.
To support the operation of the solar farm, the plan includes electrical infrastructure such as underground cabling, ducting, a 33kV collector cable network, joint bays, and up to 21 inverter and transformer skid units.
A single-storey substation control building measuring 217 square metres is also proposed, along with internal access tracks, site landscaping, drainage works, security fencing and CCTV.
During construction, three temporary compounds and associated facilities will be established, with access provided via two existing field entrances and one new site access point.
The planning application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement (NIS), which would assess the potential environmental impacts of both the construction and operational phases of the project.
The NIS also takes into account essential supporting infrastructure, including a 110kV substation compound, transformer, control building, and grid connection to be submitted under a separate planning process.