In granting permission for a Solar Farm on the Timahoe North Bog, following an appeal by Butterfly Conservation Ireland, An Bord Pleanála have decided that the habitats of Timahoe Bog were not worth protecting.
This will be the first large scale solar farm built on peat in the world that I can see. Leading solar powered countries steer clear of wetlands due to their unstable foundations and risk of flooding or fire.
An incorrect decision by ABP relating to a development on bog in Co. Galway cost the Irish taxpayer a €5,000,000 fine, after a massive landslide occurred. I hope we don’t have to pay for this decision too down the line.
I have written to the Minister for Climate Action and the council’s Director of Planning in relation to removing the conflict in our County Development Plan that gave ABP the power to make the decision to not protect the habitat.
The plans and planning documents are available at http://www.timahoenorthgrid.ie/ and the ABP Planner’s Report is available for viewing below.
