Fresh planning application for Ratoath solar farm
Energia Renewables is making a fresh planning application for its Darthogue Solar Farm near Ratoath.
The project was granted planning permission in late 2020, but the fresh application includes a number of amendments within the project boundary, which will not change.
The proposed planning amendments include the removal of two consented battery units to be replaced with general storage containers for equipment and the relocation of on-site customer substation, or distribution building. The amendments include provision for an extensive biodiversity corridor with wildflower planting along the existing Gas Network Ireland corridor "to create new habitats, enhance biodiversity and support wildlife." An additional gate is proposed to allow landowner access only (not to be used for solar farm construction or operation). The new application includes an extension of planning permission duration from five years to 10 years - this is the period of time given for the start of construction.
The Darthogue solar farm project is a solar development with an export capacity of 47 MW, generating enough renewable electricity to meet the average electricity needs of more than 26,000 Irish households every year, while saving around 12,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
"That’s the equivalent of taking up to 2,400 cars off the road," according to a leaflet circulated to local residents."