The Proposed Development is to be located within the townlands of Dromin, Knockatober, Cangy, Mooremount, Richardstown (ED Stabannan), Painestown, Ballymageragh and Knockdinnin. The proposed project will be located on a site that is ca. 167 hectares (‘ha’) in size with a capacity of c. 86MW.
Knockdinnin Solar Farm
The proposed solar farm is situated on approximately 167 ha and will have an export capacity of approximately 86MW.
Site Location
Proposed Development
The Proposed Development consists of a 10-year planning permission for the construction and 40-year operation of a solar PV farm and BESS facility and the construction and operation of all associated ancillary development, including:
- Solar PV panels;
- 12 transformer units (ca. 6.1m x 2.4m);
- The BESS compound consisting of BESS modules, transformer unit, control unit,Power Electronic Compact Twin Skids, landscaping berm and perimeter security fencing;
- Electrical and communications cabling within private lands and within the L2254, R170 and R211/R132 public roads;
- Pole-mounted security cameras;
- Perimeter security fencing (2m high) and security gates;
- Upgrade of three existing Site entrances;
- Development of two new Site entrances;
- Three temporary construction compounds;
- Three clear span bridges;
- Internal access tracks; and,
- All associated ancillary development, landscaping and reinstatement works.
The Proposed Development will result in increased renewable electrical capacity, which will, in turn, reduce the utilisation of fossil fuels within the national power grid. Given the Irish Government’s commitment to decarbonising the electricity network in Ireland, this development represents a positive step towards that goal. The Proposed Development will also contribute to meeting the national greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and overall have a positive effect on climate change.
The on-site substation and associated grid connection will be subject to a separate planning application to An Bord Pleanala.
Site Layout
The initial layout of the Proposed Development, as illustrated above, covered an area of 181 hectares, with an estimated export capacity of approximately 95MW.
Following consultation with the local community and detailed assessments, the layout has been revised to reflect a reduced footprint with enhanced setbacks from dwellings and the omission of certain areas of the site. The proposed layout can be seen above.
The design of the Proposed Development has been very much underpinned by consultation feedback from both Louth County Council and the local community. This approach has resulted in the inclusion of significant buffers, additional landscaping, commitments such that construction works will be scheduled to prevent any effect on Dromin National School and transit routes that will ensure the avoidance of Dromin village by construction phase Heavy Goods Vehicles (‘HGVs’) traffic.
Comprehensive assessments have been undertaken and have been submitted as part of the planning application including EIA Screening Report, Natura Impact Statement (‘NIS’), Preliminary Construction Environmental Management Plan (‘pCEMP’), Soil Management Plan, Water Framework Directive (‘WFD’) report and Environmental and Engineering reports. There has also been a comprehensive noise assessment, flood risk assessment and glint and glare assessment undertaken. All of this information will be available to view on Louth County Council Planning Portal.
Community Benefit Fund
If the solar farm is granted planning permission, Regnum is committed to setting up a community benefit package to support the local community. We will collaborate closely with the community to customise this financial support package, placing local individuals at the forefront of decision-making regarding its implementation and impact.
Communications
As the project progresses, any updates or milestones that are achieved will be documented here. If you have any feedback, comments or queries in relation to the project, please do not hesitate to contact us through our dedicated Community Liaison Officer for the project:
Daragh Browne
Downloads
- Knockdinnin Consultation 1 (1 MB)