Key decision this week on solar park at Tullamore Distillery

A decision is due this week on a planning application by William Grant and Sons Irish Manufacturing Ltd for the construction of a major solar PV park at Clonminch in Tullamore.

If granted permission, the development would provide electrical power to the distillery.

The solar park will comprise of approximately 4,100 photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames within a site area of 3.90 hectares and associated ancillary development including one transformer station.

In a submission Transport Infrastructure Ireland says it is concerned about safety on the N52 and said a 'glint and glare' assessment must be undertaken as a condition of any permission granted. It has also advised Offaly County Council to identify a monitoring programme for the applicant to adhere to which should allow for additional mitigation if necessary and amendment or removal of any elements of the solar PV development that result in glint or glare and impact on road safety on the N52, national road.

Macroworks were commissioned to carry out an analysis of the site within a 1km defined study area. It has determined that there ''will not be significant glint and glare impacts at any dwelling receptors, road receptor points, or aviation receptors as a result of the proposed photovoltaic array.''

Meanwhile, the results of a Geophysical Survey for the site indicated there are no recorded archaeological monuments within the proposed development site boundary.

However, it is recommended that targeted archaeological test trenching is carried out in order to verify the geophysical survey results. This is to be carried out prior to construction commencing by a licence-eligible archaeologist working under licence from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland. Archaeological material identified in the course of the test trenching may necessitate further mitigation, including preservation of the site.

A submission from one individual asked if the proposed security fencing would require the removal of the hedgerows. This person also asked if the transformer would have any negative impact on the welfare of their houses in nearby fields and asked for information on the impact on their lands.

Plans for the development also incorporate 5 CCTV security cameras mounted on 8 metre high poles, perimeter security fencing (2.4 metres high), internal access tracks, extension to existing maintenance access track on the site to the solar PV development, installation of underground cable to connect the transformer station and the distillery and site works required to facilitate the development including the provision of a secondary vehicle access and gate on the northern boundary of the site.