467-acre solar farm planned for the Duleek area appealed

Meath Co Council's decision to grant planning permission for a 467-acre solar farm in the Duleek area has been appealed to an Bord Pleanala.

Highfield Solar Limited was recently granted a 10 year permission and 35 year operation life for the development of a solar farm on a 188.9 hectares site in the townlands of Rathdrinagh, Sicily, Thomastown, Rahill, Drumman and Knockcommon, near Duleek.

However, two third party appeals have been lodged against this decision, one of them is by residents and landowners along the L5608 and another from a local resident. Highfield Solar has also lodged a first party appeal.

The company has a separate planning application in with Meath Co Council for a large solar farm on a 320 acres site in Killary, Lobinstown and Rathkenny area and a decision is due on that application on 16th September. Highfield Solar Limited is seeking a 10-year permission for the construction of a solar PV energy development within a total site area of approximately 131.93 hectares.

Meanwhile an Bord Pleanala is considering an appeal against the granting of planning permission to Highfield Solar Limited last May for another solar farm development in Meath, this time at Downestown, Duleek.

A 10-year permission was granted for the construction of a 19-hectare solar PV energy development at Downestown, Duleek.