Athenry solar farm proposal rejected by An Bord Pleanála over glint and glare concerns

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A proposal to build a solar farm in Athenry has been turned down by An Bord Pleanala.

Soleirtricity Ltd has been refused planning permission for a 20 megawatt energy plant at Toberroe, Caraunduff, Caherbriskaun and Rathmorrissy – which could have met the needs of 4 thousand homes.

Soleirtricity had planned to build a photovoltaic panels on mounted frames at the site in Athenry.

However, An Bord Pleanala has upheld the decision of the county council to reject the plans.

The higher authority based its decision on the proximity of the proposed development to the M6, M17/M18 and the interchange.

It ruled that the ‘glint and glare’ from the solar panels would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard and distraction to road users and would interfere with the safety and free flow of traffic on the network.

Finally, An Bord Pleanala state the proposed development would adveresly affect the capacity, safety and operational efficiency of the national road network in the vicinity of the site – which would be contrary to national policy to protect the capacity of national routes.