Residents oppose solar farm due to ‘industrialisation’

Plans for a solar farm in east Cork are being challenged by residents who claim it will lead to the industrialisation of a rural setting, writes Seán McCárthaigh    

An Bord Pleánala has received three appeals against the decision of Cork County Council to grant a 10-year permission for a solar farm between Knockraha and Leamlara. Several residents, including the owners of a dog kennels, are opposed to plans by Lightsource Renewable Energy Ireland to develop a solar farm on a 48-hectare site in the townlands of Ballyvatt and Clash which will provide energy for 7,650 households. The land is owned by Frank O’Driscoll of Rathcooney, Glanmire.

Martin and Brigitte Noonan, the owners of A1-K9 Holistic Dog Training Centre and Boarding Kennels at Meeleen, which is near the development, said they are objecting because of concerns over “noise pollution, threat to safety, health concerns, damage to roads and industrialisation of the area.”