Plans for a solar farm in rural Newmarket-on-Fergus have hit a bump in the road after residents claimed the development would bring “considerable anxiety and stress” on their lives.
Clare County Council has requested further information in relation to plans for the 109-hectare Mogullaan Solar Farm, the application for which has received ten submissions.
GP Joule Ireland Limited applied for planning permission on December 23rd last year for a solar farm at the townlands of Ballycar, Lislea, Kilulla, Mogullaan, Crossagh, Ralahine South, Culleen, Drumline and Ballycasey Beg.
The application states the solar farm, which would have a 10-year development phase and a 40-year operational phase, would consist of ground-mounted solar photovoltaic panels along with 256 inverters supported by 24 electrical skid hardstands.
Among the residents voicing their opinions on the development is Declan Kilker whose submission outlines concerns around a perceived lack of public consultation, potential property devaluation, the proximity of the site to homes and the impact of solar reflection.
The submission says his family is “deeply concerned” about the traffic congestion construction would cause which it’s said would add “considerable anxiety and stress” to their everyday lives.
A submission from Niall Ginnane says the development would have an “ongoing negative impact” on his family’s mental health and would “destroy the beautiful views” they currently enjoy.
A letter from Patrick Coleman and Associates on behalf of Sean and Anne Stafford recommends the solar panels be relocated further west “to prevent significant visual intrusion and ensure adequate setbacks are implemented
to reduce impacts on residential quality of life”.
Ennis Green Party representative Brigid Ginnity has written in support of the application meanwhile, saying the development would “help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and alleviate global warming and the consequent climate chaos”.
With the decision due date of February 25th now having passed, Clare County Council has written to GP Joule Limited requesting further information on the development but it’s not yet known which details it’s seeking clarification on.
