Locals say 'NO' to proposed solar farm in County Waterford

Over 40 submissions have been made by concerned locals regarding a proposed solar farm near Portlaw.

The application submitted last month by Cullenagh Solar Farm Limited outlines intentions to develop the site for the construction of a solar PV development on a 43.6 hectare area.

The proposed development spans the townslands of Lahardan, Glenhouse, Kilmoyemoge East,, Kilmoyemoge West, Ballycahane, Hacketstown.

A submission made by the High Road Resident’s Committee, of which Portlaw’s Cllr Declan Clune is Chairperson, outlines various concerns regarding the development.

The residents committee say that locals fear the loss of the ‘rich visual landscape vista that enriches their lives socially, psychologically and emotionally'. 

They also express concerns that their 'statutorily protected privacy rights will be infringed by the proposed installation of CCTV monitoring and personal data recording technologies.'

The appeal further states: “Cullenagh Solar Farm Limited seem indifferent to the existing and potential ecological, environmental damage, and risks to human health and wellbeing they are attempting to impose on our High Road Community and our families.” 

Local councillor Seanie power also submitted an appeal.

In his submission, he said: “As a farmer farming on marginal land I am strongly opposed to good agricultural land being handed over to the development of solar farms at a time when farmers are being asked to grow more crops due to the growing population.

“As a public representative for the Comeragh district and having attended a number of meeting with concerned locals, this development is having a huge effect on the mental health of a number of residents living close to the proposed development.

“I strongly object to the erection of the proposed solar farm and support all other submissions made by concerned locals.”

Another submission, submitted jointly by six locals, says that the development will lead to the devaluation of properties in the immediate area.

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