Planning permission has been granted to build a solar farm in East Clare.
Reeve Wave Ltd will develop a solar array across 184 acres in the Ardnacrusha area.
The solar array will be based on lands in Ballyglass, Coolderry, Dromintobin North, Reanabrone, and Oakfield, near Ardnacrusha.
The development will consist of 265,000 m2 (or roughly 64 acres) of solar panels on ground mounted frames, 8 single-storey control cabins, 2 ring main units and underground cabling.
The solar farm will connect to the national grid and will have an operational lifespan of 35 years.
A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development and has been submitted to the planning authority with the application.
This application is for 10-year planning permission.
Over 20 submissions were submitted to the local authority with regard to the development – including from the Shannon Airport Authority and Meelick-based Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe.
Shannon Airport raised safety concerns over the potential glare and glint from the panels for pilots taking off and landing.
While, Deputy Cathal Crowe took issue with the lack of public consultation on the application, with his request for Reeve Wave Ltd to hold a public meeting having been declined.
Clare County Council granted planning permission for the project subject to 13 conditions.
