New solar farm plan for Nenagh

Community-owned electricity supplier Community Power has submitted a new planning application for a solar farm outside Nenagh.

The 6.9-hectare solar photovoltaic (PV) farm is to comprise of 22,500 square metres of solar PV arrays on ground-mounted metal frames with a maximum overall height of 4.7 metres at Lisbrien. A number of associated works are planned including underground trenching, electrical cabling, control cabins, internal access track, drainage works, security fencing and CCTV. The application seeks a 10-year permission with an operational lifetime of 40 years.

A largely similar plan was granted permission in 2020 following an appeal to An Bord Pleanála. That permission was not implemented within its statutory duration. A subsequent application for an extension of duration was refused by Tipperary Co Council last year, therefore requiring a new application.

The council is to decide on this new application by November 9.