Swimming in Solar... Residents in South Meath increasingly concerned over plans for over 570 hectares of solar farms in their locality

As residents of the Ratoath/Clonee area face the prospect of 574.77 hectares of solar farms in their locality, local residents have started a campaign against the latest planning application.

Plans for a large solar farm development covering more than 500 acres has been met with objections from local residents and a petition with 115 signatures of people objecting to the proliferation of solar farms in the area.

The Soleire Renewables Holdings Limited application will bring to seven the number of solar farms in planning, under construction or operational in area.

These seven solar farms will cover an area of 574.77 hectares or 1,420 acres of prime agricultural land in the south east of the county.

These projects do not include others in planning or developed in Duleek, Rathkenny, Kilcock and Kells.

Soleire Renewables Holdings Limited is looking for a ten-year planning permission to develop the solar farm on a 215-hectares site in the townlands of Ballymacoll Little, Boolies, Nuttstown, Ballintry, Belgree, Rowan and Kinoristown. It comprises of two separate land parcels divided by local roads.

The solar farm would be operational for a period of 40 years and the planning application includes its subsequent decommissioning.

Tom Phelan, one of those objecting to the latest development says residents are worried about its effect on biodiversity and existing native wildlife, the impact on traffic in the area, the glare from the panels, construction disruption and the affect on property prices.

"We also have concerns of the health impact from electromagnetic fields as it connects to the national grid," he said.

A major concern for residents in the area is the proliferation of proposed solar farms.

"We are concerned about the loss of prime agricultural land.

"It is important that these prime agricultural lands in rural locations are retained for agriculture/food production to feed this growing population.

"There are numerous remote sites around the country which are sparsely populated and often consisting of poor quality farmlands or reclaimed peat lands which would be more suitable for locating PV solar developments, thereby retaining prime agricultural lands for the purpose which it is intended of food production."

Mr Phelan said a development on this scale taken in conjunction with the other nearby lands earmarked or developed for solar farms will have a detrimental and negative impact on the existing wildlife and the continued migration of species and genetic diversity in this area .

He said the glint and glare from these solar panels will result in a very significant impact on this area and in particular to the residents residing in the vicinity of this proposed development.

He also said the development would have a very significant impact on the local road network and consequently the local community.

Cllr Caroline O'Reilly said she had numerous queries in relation to this development and held two public meetings as a result.

“First and foremost there is no legislation or regulation for solar farms of this magnitude, no regulation for intensity/ density either. This is alarming considering the boom in applications we are seeing nationwide. I fear we are going to look back in regret at this unregulated form of development. I really do. This is a high density area now for solar farms and if this plan is granted it will bring the total of acres to 1,421 acres of solar farms on high quality agricultural land within a short distance of each other.”

“Residents feel defeated already as they feel that so much money is at stake that the consideration for the human and environmental impact come last. People have enjoyed agricultural surroundings for their lifetimes in this area. I understand various types of development happens of course but it is usually in stages. This is a massive change over the course of nine months or so once construction begins. There are so many questions about how this is going to impact the quality of life people have enjoyed here for generations and for that to change overnight is a lot to take in. I don’t see anything outlining the proposals for the end of life of these units or their materials – where are they going to go when they are finished."

Cllr O'Reilly said she was concerned about possible impacts such development will have on natural habitats that support wildlife such as birds of prey, deer, badger sets as these farms are still a relatively new phenomenon.

“I am responding to the concerns of the people who have homes that have been there 40-50 years and feel so worried that their homes will be worthless and they will trapped surrounded by panels.”

“I accept that there is a necessity for renewable energy and I know that we have targets to meet – the proximity to the grid in this area is what is drawing companies – but Kilbride has had its fair share. Why is Fingal not producing parcels of land? Its not NIMBYism in my opinion. I can guarantee you that the vast majority of people would be alarmed if they had such intensive and dense development of solar farms in their locality and would be shouting from the rooftops themselves," she said.

The petition signed by 115 members of the local community calls on the council to reconsider the location of the proposed solar farms. "While we acknowledge the importance of renewable energy, it should not come at the expense of our community's well-being, natural beauty, and agricultural productivity. We advocate for a more suitable location that does not impose such a significant burden on a thriving rural area."

The petition states the presence of a large solar farm will significantly alter the aesthetic appeal of their surroundings. "The expansive arrays of solar panels will dominate the horizon, replacing the natural beauty and open spaces with industrial installations. This drastic change will negatively impact the visual landscape cherished by residents and visitors alike.

"We are concerned that the proximity of a solar farm could reduce property values. Studies have shown that the visual impact and perceived desirability of locations adjacent to solar farms can lead to decreased property prices, affecting the financial well-being of homeowners in our community."

The petition expresses concern about the noise from the inverters and transformers required for the operation, as well as the glare from the panels.

"Some residents have expressed concerns about electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by the electrical components of the solar farm. Addressing these concerns is crucial to maintaining community trust and well-being."

The petition says the change in land use from agriculture to industrial solar farm is a major concern. "Our region boasts some of the best farming land in Ireland, crucial for food production and the livelihoods of local farmers. This fertile land should be preserved for agricultural use rather than being converted to industrial purposes."

The petition cites examples of communities in areas such as Cornwall and Norfolk who have reported significant disruptions due to noise and increased traffic during the construction phase of solar farms while studies in Germany have highlighted the potential for long-term soil degradation and reduced biodiversity in areas converted to solar farms.

Solar farm plans span over 570 hectares of South Meath

The Soleire Renewables Holdings Limited planning application to develop the solar farm on a 215 hectares site is just one of seven solar farms in the plannng, under construction or operational in the Ratoath, Ashbourne, Clonee area.

It amounts to 574.77 hectares in the locality which has been or is expected to be developed into a solar farm.

As well as the Soleire project, others in the pipeline or operation in the immediate vicinity are....

82.5 hectares at Mullinam, Paddock and Loughlinstown Ratoath

85.3 hectares at Fidorfe, Grange and part of Ratoath Manor

54.57 hectares at Harlockstown, Ashbourne

67.60 hectares at Muckerstown

52.50 hectares at Doghtog, Crakenstown & Bodeen, Ratoath

17.30 hectares at Bullstown and Donaghmore

Meath is leading the way when it comes to solar generated electricity and is by far the biggest producer of solar energy in the country. The projects listed above do not include others in planning or developed in Duleek, Rathkenny, Kilcock and Kells.

There are around 380 solar farm projects in development across the country. Leinster is set to see the largest number of these projects with at least 201 planned in the next 10 years. Approximately 27 per cent of the planned development for Leinster is in Meath although the county makes up about only 12per cent of the total landmass of Leinster.

Of the 13 solar farms that have been so far connected to the national grid, seven of them are located in Meath. This includes Ballynacarney Solar Farm near Kilbride, which in 2022 was the first solar farm to be energised in the country.