Galway County Council has refused permission for a 239-hectare solar farm near the villages of Monivea and Abbeyknockmoy.
Heron Solar Limited had applied to develop a site, across a number of townlands, saying the facility would operate for 40 years.
The company sought 10-year permission to allow for the erection of over one million square metres of ground mounted solar panels, along with a number of medium voltage stations and associated cabling.
The plans also involved new access points to a number of roads and associated drainage works.
More than 350 submissions were made to the council on foot of the application, which was proposed following agreement with multiple landowners.
Many objectors cited the size of the development and its proximity to existing dwellings as the reason for their opposition.
In a decision issued today, the local authority said the proposed development was contrary to the proper planning policies as set out in the County Development Plan, before setting out eleven reasons for the refusal.
Planners said they were not satisfied that the integrity of the Lough Corrib SAC would be maintained by the development; expressed concern about the impact of proposed grid connection works on the existing road network and queried the flood risk on the site and at other nearby locations.
They also cited inconsistencies with technical analysis submitted as well as the planned development’s impact on existing public infrastructure.
The council also found that a ‘glint and glare’ assessment submitted was inefficient as it did not satisfactorily address the possible danger posed to road users as a result of the solar panels.
Any appeal against the decision will have to be made within a four-week period.
