More info sought on solar panels plan for prestigious Kildare school

Further information is being sought about a plan to erect solar panels at Clongowes Wood College in Clane.

The school trustees want to put up the panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, on a 1.1 acre site.

The ground mounted panels would electrically connect with the existing electrical switchroom over an adjacent sports hall.

The planning application was made to Kildare County Council  in June and a decision was due in early August.

But the request for more information now means that a decision might not made for six months and could go into early next year.

Clongowes is a protected structure and the school was founded by the Jesuits in 1814.

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According to KCC the proposed development is “considered appropriate” and “it largely complies with policies outlined in the Kildare County Development Plan.”

Nevertheless it has requested an ecological impact assessment which is to include a detaeiled habitat map as well as written descriptions of  all habitats.

It also wants some species of flowers and animal life to be identified as well as an assurance that mammal access to watercourses will be maintained.

Also requested is an evaluation of the ecological significance of habitats and species within the site.

It’s also seeking a report on the impact of the development during and after construction on protected species.

An archaeological impact assessment was also requested.