Residents group appeals decision to approve plans for Cork solar farm

Amarenco Solar Rathcormac Ltd was given the green light by Cork County Council last month for the 46 hectare installation across lands at Corrin, Ballinvarig, Deerpark, Ballyarra, Spurree, and Castlelyons. Picture: iStock

Plans for a large new solar farm north of Cork City have been put on hold after an appeal from a local group to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Amarenco Solar Rathcormac Ltd was given the green light by Cork County Council last month for the 46 hectare installation across lands at Corrin, Ballinvarig, Deerpark, Ballyarra, Spurree, and Castlelyons.

The 10-year permission for the company, co-founded by the late Cork businessman John Mullins, encompasses four solar farms that had previously been permitted by the local authority.

“Given the proximity of the development sites, it was considered that a combined planning application encompassing the four previously permitted sites was the best approach,” planning documents for the applicant said.

“Although this application seeks a fresh permission for a solar farm, the changes are minor in nature and are in keeping with the principles of the previously permitted developments.” 

It said the site would help Ireland contribute to national and EU climate and renewable energy targets, as well as being in line with national and local policy objectives.

'Previously acceptable'

Furthermore, the four sites previously cleared the planning processes of Cork County Council and An Coimisiún Pleanála.

“This indicates that the proposal to construct a solar farm development on these lands was previously acceptable to the planning authority, and that no significant adverse impacts on the surrounding area were anticipated,” it said.

“A new application is required for the proposed development to ensure that the layout has taken into account the latest technological advancements in solar PV design and to renew planning permissions which had lapsed.” 

However, while Cork County Council granted approval for the development, it has been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála by Castlelyons Development — a local group of residents in the area.

It argued the council made a “critical and serious error” in granting permission around the “critically dangerous” proposed entrance to the site from a traffic perspective.

It was also argued it is inconsistent with the county development plan given the strong emphasis on biodiversity and the protection of landscape in rural areas.

An Coimisiún Pleanála has said it is due to decide the case by mid-December.