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Westmeath Solar Farm Proposals Up For Decision

Thursday, 18 April 2024 07:08

The project would see the farm operated for a period of 40 years.

A decision on plans for a new solar farm in Westmeath is due today.

Harmony Solar Kildallen Limited is seeking 10-year planning permission for the development at Ballyhug, near Ballynacarrigy.

The project would see the provision of nearly 800,000 square metres of solar panels mounted on steel frames, on a 140 hectare site.

The planning report says the need for accelerated renewable energy has been the focus of national and regional policies for many years as a response to climate change.

However, the proposals have received a number of submissions, with some raising concerns over the scale of the planned development.

Labour Councillor Johnnie Penrose was among those to make a submission, and says there's concerns over the site's proximity to a cluster of houses.

It's expected the solar farm would be operational for a period of 40 years, if given the green light.

Westmeath County Council is due to make a decision on the development today.

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