A 3D image of how the proposed plant would look

Plans submitted for gas-fired power plant near Kentstown

Plans for a gas-fired peaking power plant on a 19 acre site near Kentstown consisting of three open cycle gas turbine generators each with a 30m high stack, have been submitted to Meath County Council.

Polarisgate Ltd is seeking a 10 year planning permission for a 180 Megawatt gas fired peaking power plant on a site of 7.87 hectares at Curraghtown, Brownstown, Navan. The plant, if approved would have a 40-year operation period and would provide back-up electricity to the national grid.

According to documents accompanying the application, the plant will usually remain on standby and will run when demand on the national grid is high, but the supply from renewable energy sources is low.

Polarisgate Ltd is an Irish owned renewable energy company with experience in the development and operation of wind farm projects around Ireland and most recently developed three wind farms in Counties Kilkenny and Mayo.

If planning is granted for the gas peaking power plant, the developer intends to apply for a grid connection to Eirgrid/ESB who will determine the type of substation, that is 220kv or 110kv. A separate planning application would then be made for this substation.

The proposed electricity generating station will consist of three open cycle gas turbines (OCGT) generators each consisting of an air intake filter system and 30m hight exhaust stacks .

The proposal also includes liquid fuel storage (secondary fuel) supply with three fuel storage tanks, unloading area, fuel polishing and transfer system building and fuel pipework, three generators and step up transformers with a single storey communication building.

An administration and maintenance building with car parking, a containerised power control centre, fire water tank and pumphouse, containerised water treatment unit with purified water storage tank, lube oil and chemical storage, emergency generator, air compressor building and auxiliary unit transformers are all part of the planning application.

Natural gas supply including Gas Networks Ireland above ground installation and natural gas receiving facility are also proposed.

The application will require a license from the Environmental Protection Agency under the Industrial Emissions Directive 2012/18/EU and also falls under the requirements of the Control of Major Accident Hazard (COMAH) Regulations, 2025.

The planning application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement (NIS).

Submissions can be made on the planning application up to 14th November.