BREAKING: Kildare battery power plant plan is approved
Residents opposed to the project
The planning appeals board has given the green light for a battery storage plant near Naas, which the developers say will use renewable energy to generate electricity.
Dublin-based Strategic Power Projects is involved in projects designed to produce electricity without creating emissions which harm the climate.
Its proposal is to launch a battery storage project envisaging a compound with 76 battery storage units, each the size of a shipping container, which will be used to produce power.
It will be sited at Dunnstown, near Two Mile House and Brannockstown, just off the Naas to Kilcullen route.
The plan was rejected by Kildare County Council in June 2021 after it received a raft of objections from local residents.
Residents have planned a meeting at the Brown Bear premises in Two Mile House this evening (8pm)
One of the reasons provided by KCC for refusing permission was the absence of “supporting infrastructure”, specifically an electricity sub station.
KCC also expressed concerns about fire safety including hardstanding access routes to enable fire fighting, insufficient distances between the battery storage units and a lack of water which could hamper firefighting.
It was also concerned about wastewater and noise.
However, An Bord Pleanála overturned KCC’s decision and noted that national policies support the development of a safe, secure and reliable electricity network and a reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
ABP also noted the content of an environmental report which includes mitigation measures. Particularly relating to water pollution and road safety.
Among the conditions imposed by An Bord are that details of the external finishes of the storage container and control building be submitted to KCC and that construction be managed according to a plan agreed with KCC.
Work can only be done between certain hours between Monday and Saturday and not at all on Sundays or public holidays.
SPP representative Paul Carson said at the time that the company has many years of experience analysing renewable energy and he said there are no safety issues associated with the project.
“I’ve been involved in renewable energy since 2010; we have a lot of experience and we approach these developments from a detailed and technical point of view. This will not have the impact that is suggested. We are categorically certain it will not have any impact,” said Mr Carson.
He said similar plants have been constructed elsewhere without problem.
He also said that the only way that Ireland can meet climate targets in the future will be if it embraces renewable energy, be it wind or solar power.