A public meeting is planned for this evening in Dualla to allow for a discussion about a proposed Solar farm close to the village.
Planning permission is being sought for a Solar farm with an operational lifespan of 40 years.
The application has been submitted by Power Capital Renewable Energy in respect of a 129 hectare site.
The proposed development at Boscabell, Garranmore, Newark, Fussough, Ballyheens and Dualla will back on to the community field in the village, the rear of local houses, the local national school, the church and a Bed and Breakfast business and will involve power cables under local public roads.
The overall site will have 6 entrances and involves the erection of solar panels on steel frames and associated infrastructure with two temporary construction sites.
The planning application is being handled on behalf of Power Capital by Malone O’Regan Environmental.
The documents on file at planning reference(2460156) indicate that the solar farm will need a 110kV substation but that so far dialogue with Eirgrid and the ESB has not led to the development of a design.
Therefore, a separate Strategic Infrastructure Development Planning application will have to be submitted for the substation directly to An Bord Pleanála.
If the development goes ahead there are no plans for any permanent staff to be located on site.
The meeting is scheduled to start at 7pm tonight and will be held in the Dualla Community Hall.
