A green energy firm which withdrew an application for an over 100-hectare solar farm in south Clare this year has unveiled plans for a new development.
GP Joule Ireland Limited is now looking to construct a solar PV farm on a 95-hectare site in rural Newmarket-on-Fergus.
The company is seeking planning permission for 10 years to build a solar farm with an operational life of 35 years at the townlands of Mogullaan, Crossagh, Ralahine South, Drumline and Ballycasey Beg.
The project would include ground-mounted solar arrays supported by steel frames with an internal network cable facilitating connection to the Drumline 110-kilovolt substation.
An internal network cable would be installed to enable an under-the-fence connection from the on-site transformer compound to the adjacent substation.
The transformer compound would consist of an independent power producer building, a 110-kilovolt transformer and an 18-metre lightning monopole mast.
Other aspects of the proposed development are underground electrical cabling and ducting, security fencing, CCTV stands, internal access tracks, a site entrance and site drainage.
GP Joule Ireland Limited lodged an application on December 23rd 2024 for a similar 109-hectare development at Ballycar, Lislea, Killulla, Mogullaun, Crossagh, Ralahine South, Culleen, Drumline and Ballycasey Beg.
A total of 10 submissions were made in opposition to the plans while on was made in support and following a request from Clare County Council for further information on February 24th, the plans were withdrawn.
The local authority has until October 2nd to make a decision on the new proposal.
