An Bord Pleanála has given the green light for a 110MW solar farm in County Meath.

The plans by Energia Solar Holdings Limited are for a solar energy development located on sites covering 171.34 hectares.

The solar farm will be built on parcels of 8 fields located in Drumree, Co. Meath approximately 4km to the south of Dunshaughlin village.

The full development will comprise solar panels mounted on steel frames, underground ducting, 47 medium voltage (MV) power stations, 3 substations, perimeter fencing and 69 pole mounted security cameras.

The plans note that there are six recorded monuments close to the site, including three ringforts, and mitigation measures have been proposed.

It is stated that the land will continue to be used for sheep grazing while the solar farm is operational, and will be fully returned to agricultural use once it is decommissioned.

An Bord Pleanála granted a 10 year planning permission and approved a 35 year lifespan for the solar farm, which will commence when the solar PV arrays are commissioned.

Meath County Council granted permission for this project back in July 2023, and this was appealed to An Bord Pleanála the following month.

The appeal argued numerous grounds, including a loss of privacy and residential amenity, and that the location would result in an undesirable loss of agricultural land.

Concerns were also expressed about traffic hazards created by construction traffic on the local road network, and potential environmental impacts.

An Bord Pleanála upheld Meath County Council’s original decision, granting approval with a total of 21 revised conditions.

The final Megawatt output of the solar farm must be agreed on with the planning authority before it is commissioned, as it was stated that this may change with technology over time.

An archaeologist must also be hired to monitor all ground works and provide further archaeological assessment in areas of higher potential interest.