BREAKING: Decision on Kilkenny solar farm that was stuck in planning limbo!

An Bord Pleanála have granted permission to Lightsource Renewable Energy Ireland Ltd to proceed with the development of a large solar energy farm (on a total site area of c. 103.64ha) within the townlands of Castlegarden / Cloghscregg, near Thomastown, Co Kilkenny.

Permission was originally granted by Kilkenny County Council back in 2023 but that decision was later appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

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In its ruling the Bord considered that, subject to compliance with conditions: “The proposed development would be in accordance with the provisions of the Kilkenny City and County Development Plan 2021-2027, would not have an unacceptable impact on the character of the landscape or on cultural or archaeological heritage, would not seriously injure the visual and residential amenities of the area, would be acceptable in terms of public health, traffic safety and convenience, would not have undue impacts on surrounding land uses, would not have an unacceptable impact on ecology or on any European Site, would not lead to an increased risk of flooding within the site or adjoining lands, and would make a positive contribution to Ireland’s requirements for renewable energy in accordance with national regional and local policy.”

An Bord Pleanála also attached 21 conditions that must be adhered to in relation to the site’s development.

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