Appeal lodged as huge Kildare solar farm is refused permission amid local backlash

The developer of a proposed solar energy farm the size of 115 football stadiums has appealed the decision of Kildare County Council to refuse planning permission for the project.

The proposed 173 hectare development is earmarked for the north Kildare townlands of Cadamstown, Ballina, Clonuff and Garrisker. 

Over fifty objections were lodged by individuals and community groups regarding the development which was refused permission by the local authority of environmental grounds.

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It its decision, the council wrote that there was "significant dearth of information" in the solar farm’s Natura impact statement, which did not include any provisions or ecological surveys for kingfisher birds. 

The council’s refusal also highlighted concerns regarding the loss of hedgerows and trees that the solar farm would cause. 

The document reads: “The extent of tree and vegetation removal to facilitate the development is extensive and represents an unnecessary negative impact on the natural heritage and biodiversity of the site”.

“To permit the large scale removal of trees and existing hedgerows on site in the absence of detailed assessment […] would be contrary to the provisions of the Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029 and would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

Several objections wrote that the habitat loss that the development could cause may interfere with the area’s badger setts - a protected species under the Wildlife Acts. 

The council’s Parks Officer determined in a report: “For a development of close to 500 acres, which will have significant construction works, it would seem that without a very robust plan in place, the development would have an effect on local wildlife”. 

The Natura Impact Statement submitted by the applicant - Cadamstown Solar Limited - states the Solar farm promises to keep development 30 metres from the two established badger setts, however, objectors do not think this goes far enough in protecting the animal’s habitat. 

Further, a large portion of  the 50 objections made against the development  make reference to the possibility of the local water supply being polluted by the solar farm. The Broadford Area Residents Association objection stated: “Many residents rely on private water wells.” 

“While the applicant has proposed protective measures, no contingency plan, indemnity fund, or legally binding assurances exists to compensate residents in the event of water contamination.”

Kildare County Council also determined in their refusal that the development does not have adequate existing road infrastructure to safely build the solar farm. 

Cadamstown Solar Limited was previously granted planning permission for a 80 hectare development in Mulgeeth, Kildare, earlier in the year. The development is a 15 minute drive from the proposed development in Cadamstown. 

An Coimisiún Pleanála is due to make a decision regarding the proposed Kildare development by March 2026.