Locals object as substation for Tipperary solar farm set to more than double in size
Plans for a Tipperary solar farm have been altered to allow for a significantly larger substation, despite objections from local residents.
Renewable Energy Systems Ltd has been granted permission to increase the length of the permitted substation from 24 metres to 54 metres at the Rathduff Solar Farm site in Thomastown, Golden.
However, the changes have been opposed by local residents, with one objector claiming the enlarged substation is now approximately three times the size of the originally approved layout.
The proposed Rathduff Solar Farm will generate up to 25 megawatts, and will be operational for 35 years.
The changes would see the reconfiguration and enlargement of the layout of the permitted substation, from 24 metres to 54 metres, including an ESB section and a section for the solar farm itself.
An agent acting on behalf of the company said that while a small number of solar panels will be omitted under the revised plans, the solar farm's permitted power output of 25MW would remain unchanged.
“The ESB compound will accommodate an ESB control room and a high-voltage line bay with 38kV cables entering the site.
“The solar farm compound will accommodate the remaining section of the high-voltage line bay together with a solar park control room, solar park switchroom, hardstanding area,” and other items needed for the solar farm’s operation, the agent added.
The agent says that the amendment is “limited in extent” and does not significantly alter the overall design of the solar farm.
The new application was met with a number of objections from locals in the area, with one saying that the bigger substation “goes substantially beyond” what was originally planned for the site.
Michele Lovelock said that the proposed substation does affect the scale, appearance and impact of the development.
“Of particular concern is the proposed increase in the size of the substation compound, which is now understood to be approximately three times larger than the originally approved layout in order to accommodate a new ESB terminal.
“This represents a significant intensification of the industrial elements of the scheme,” they said.
“In addition, the revised layout would bring the substation and associated infrastructure approximately 50 metres closer to the entrance road, making these structures more prominent and visible within the local landscape,” the objection added.
Another objector, Margaret Kennedy said that she has “serious concerns” about the “thoroughness and rigour of the initial due diligence process.
“As mentioned in previous objections, the L34061 is a substandard tertiary road and not fit for purpose. Within the last year I have personally witnessed the partial collapse of the road at the entrance to the proposed development,” she added.
Siobhan Cashman and William Boles also objected to the development, saying that the “substantial changes that affect the local community and landscape.
“I implore the planning authority to not make this a desk based study and come to walk the road and land where this is proposed, which is an amenity that is being ruined for the local families and children who walk and cycle that road,” they said.
Despite the objections, Tipperary County Council granted planning permission for the changes, subject to five conditions.