2460196: A 10 year planning permission on lands including Straboe and Killerig, Carlow, Co. Carlow. The development will consist of permission for a Solar PV Energy Development with associated Battery Energy Storage System Compound with a total site area of c. 132.28ha, to include solar panels mounted on steel support structures, associated cabling and ducting, inverters, transformers, switchgear substations, auxiliary transformer, permanent storage containers, monitoring houses, composting toilet, BESS customer substation, battery blocks, BESS inverters and PCS (twin skid), BESS interface cabinets (BIC), backup generator, temporary construction compounds, tracks, boundary security fencing and security gates, CCTV, landscaping and ancillary works, with a 40year operational period. It is proposed that the Proposed Development will be accessed from four separate access points which will include (i) a new access created off the R726; (ii) a new entrance off Straboe Lane; (iii) a widened and improved existing entrance off Straboe lane; and (iv) use of an existing and previously consented entrance off the R418. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been submitted to the Planning Authority with the Application

Refusal reasons

Conditions

• 1Ground under solar panels maintained as grassland to reduce erosion, limit flows, maximise bio-retention.Landscaping Boundary
• 2Solar panels arranged to allow rainwater to infiltrate to grassland below at natural greenfield rates.Water Services
• 3Grassland beneath panels maintained, monitored; compacted soil cultivated and reseeded.Landscaping Boundary
• 4Surface water from panels dispersed to ground; no ponding beneath panels.Water Services
• 5No surface water dispersed onto public roadway.Water Services
• 6Surface water from roads/internal tracks disperse to suitably designed infiltration filter drains.Water Services
• 7Overland flows collected in SUDS devices prior to release to natural surface water systems.Water Services
• 8No surface water ponding on roads/tracks or verges.Water Services
• 9No sediments disperse onto ground during construction phase.Construction Management
• 10Surface roads/tracks constructed of permeable gravel; swales collect runoff discharged to ground via percolation areas.Water Services
• 11Stormwater from cabins/sealed bunds pass through oil interceptor before discharge.Wastewater Drainage
• 12Solar panels not located where flood depth exceeds 0.5m.Other