LIVE: Planning green light for major solar farm development in Tipperary

Plans to build an 88.5 hectare solar farm near Nenagh have been given the green light by Tipperary County Council.

Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Ltd lodged an application with the council on February 7 this year for planning permission to construct the energy project in the townlands of Kerane, Fawnlough and Ballynaclough, Nenagh, county Tipperary.

The plans involve a 10-year planning permission to construct and complete a solar PV energy development with a total site area of 88.5 hectares consisting of solar PV, ground mounted on support structures, inverter substations, a 38kV substation, watercourse crossings, temporary construction compounds, internal access tracks - new, upgrading existing and existing – along with security fencing, electrical cabling and ducting, CCTV and other infrastructure.

The development also comprises a protected structure – stone piers and cast iron gates with a carriage stone.

This structure is at the entrance to the former Debsborough House and no works are required to the structure.

The plans also entail the realignment of 35m of wall, the re-location of a telegraph pole and vegetation trimming, that are required to achieve the northern visibility splay.

The solar farm would be operational for 40 years. The council attached sixteen conditions to their decision.