'Disappointment' over granting of permission for controversial Tipperary solar farm

Tipperary is set to get a new solar farm after the local authority granted planning permission for a controversial development in the county.

Power Capital Renewable Energy were granted permission by Tipperary County Council for a 10-year planning permission for the development of a solar farm on a 129 hectare site at the townlands of Boscabell, Garranmore, Newark, Fussough, and Dually, outside the village of Dualla.

The development would see erection of solar panels on ground-mounted galvanised steel frames, string inverters attached to selected ground-mounted galvanised steel frames, and 16 transformer units.

Underground cabling, security fencing, a CCTV system with pole mounted cameras and landscaping, six site entrances with access gates utilizing existing farm field entrances which will be upgraded and internal accesses, the installation of underground cables, including cables under public roads, two temporary construction compounds and all associated ancillary development works would all also form part of the development.

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The planning application was subject to considerable local opposition, with over 300 submissions received by Tipperary County Council.

In granting planning permission, Tipperary County Council said that the development "complies with the policies and objectives of the Tipperary County Development Plan 2022-2028, and the proposed development does not have an adverse impact upon the character of the area or the amenities of adjoining properties in the vicinity of the site and would therefore be in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development of the area."

The local authority attached 18 conditions to the granting of planning permission, including that the CCTV system does not look at any of the neighbouring properties in the area, or the public road, and that the developer pay Tipperary County Council €475,500.

Local opposition group Dualla Together have expressed disappointment at Tipperary County Council's decision to grant planning permission, and said they would appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála.

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"Unfortunately, Tipperary County Council has granted planning permission for the proposed industrial-scale solar complex in Dualla," the group wrote in a post on social media.

"We are deeply disappointed that the Council has dismissed all of our concerns, despite the overwhelming opposition from our community. Now, not only do we face the threat of this development, but we also bear the financial burden of an appeal to An Bord Pleanála.

"While this decision is frustrating, it comes as no surprise. We have always said that our case would ultimately go to An Bord Pleanála, and now that moment has arrived," the group said.

"This only strengthens our determination. A fresh set of eyes will now review the serious concerns we have raised," they added.