Power Capital Renewable Energy Limited has been granted a 10-year planning permission to build a solar PV project on a 129-hectare site at Boscabell, Garranmore, Newark, Fussough and Dually surrounding Dualla Village near Cashel.
The community group, Dualla Together, opposed to the creation of the huge solar farm on five townlands surrounding the village say that they are disappointed but will take an appeal to An Bord Pleanála after Tipperary County Council granted planning permission for the project.
Dualla Together say they are deeply disappointed that the Council has dismissed all of the concerns, raised by over 170 submissions from the community on the revised plans submitted by the developer. In a post on the Dualla Together Facebook page the group say while the decision is frustrating, it comes as no surprise. The group is to get further professional advice especially regarding the potential impacts on water and the local environment. The group are also concerned about the impact on future growth in the village if the solar panels and substation, which is yet to be submitted for planning permission, are constructed on the present village boundary.
Planners attached 18 conditions to the grant of permission and imposed a development contribution of €457,500. The operational lifespan of the solar PV development will be 40 years. The Council decision says that the project complies with the County Tipperary Development Plan 2022-2028 and finds that the project “does not have any adverse impacts on the character of the area or the amenities of the adjoining properties.” The conditions imposed require the developer to comply with the design as submitted and to implement the mitigation measures in respect of archaeology, traffic Plan, noise, glint and glare, biodiversity, the Natura Impact Statement, wildlife surveys and the construction environmental management plan. All fences are to be dark green in colour and no less than 150mm from the ground to enable wildlife to move about freely. Existing field boundaries, trees and hedgerows are to be maintained unless removal is necessary to facilitate access. The developer is also required to work in compliance with Uisce Éireann to insure no damage to water assets.
The planning application is reference number 2460156 on the Tipperary County Council planning portal.
