Naas Solar Farm Approved Despite Concerns Over Impact On Local Landscape

Friday, 8 March 2024 10:31

By Martin Osborne

The project, led by Dublin-based SPP, entails ground-mounted frames housing solar panels, alongside 51 transformer units, and a CCTV system.

Despite a number of objections, a solar farm, set to be built on a 319 acre site on the outskirts of Naas, near Punchestown Racecourse, has been approved.

An Bord Pleanála has upheld Kildare County Council’s decision to permit Strategic Power Projects (SPP) to proceed with the project.

The Swordlestown proposal will see over 230,000 solar panels installed on prime grazing land adjacent to stud farms, in a bid to produce emissions-free electricity - with ground-mounted frames housing solar panels, alongside 51 transformer units, and a CCTV system.

Critics argued that the project's site selection and development do not align with national policies or local development plans, raising questions about the loss of prime agricultural lands and the impact on scenic routes.

Visual concerns, inadequate screening measures, and noise disturbances also featured prominently among the grievances voiced by residents and stakeholders.

The development must be carried out within ten years.

More from Local News

Man (30s) Dies Following Collision Involving Bus, Car And Pedestrian At Kishawanny, Carbury

The collision, involving a bus, a car and a pedestrian, happened at around 6.30am.
R402 Closed At Kishawanny, Carbury Following Road Traffic Incident

Diversions are in place, and road users are being asked to follow all diversion signage and use alternative routes where possible.
Principal Says All Students Safe After Road Traffic Incident Involving School Bus Near Rathangan

Principal Paul Murphy rushed to the scene and said everyone on board is safe.
Houses Searched In Kildare And Offaly In Relation To Edenderry House Fire

The search operation come as the funeral of four-year-old Tadgh Farrell takes place later this morning
Kildare Council Shuts Down Push By Naas Mayor To Prioritise Certain Workers For Affordable Homes

Officials said introducing occupational preference could be considered discriminatory and may not comply with equality legislation, noting that national rules require affordable allocations to be based on income thresholds and housing need, not job titles.
Hours Apart: Laptops And Jewellery Stolen During Two Break-Ins At Homes In Kildare North

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in either area on Saturday and noticed suspicious activity to come forward.
GP Gaps Post-Pregnancy Flagged As Concern For New Mothers Across Kildare

Audio

Parts of Kildare are now among the worst areas in the country for access to a GP, according to new population-to-doctor figures.
€1.7bn Defence Plan: What We Know So Far After Curragh Camp Launch

Audio

Minister for Defence Helen McEntee launched the programme during her first official visit to the Defence Forces Training Centre at the Curragh Camp.