Plans submitted for solar farm in north Westmeath

Westmeath County Council planners have received a pre-validation application from a solar energy company regarding an extensive renewable energy development in the north part of the county.

Pheasant Solar Limited made the approach to the local authority in respect of a development in the Hiskinstown, Ballygillin, Ballynacor, Stonestown, Corbetstown, Higginstown, Sionhill, Hodgestown, Dardistown, Graffanstown, Reynella, Balrath East, Chanonstown and Clonlost townlands of Westmeath.

The proposed application is for10-year planning permission and a 40-year operational life for a solar energy development with a total site area of 157 hectares consisting of photovoltaic solar panels on steel mounting frames and electrical transformer stations.

The site will also have underground electrical and communications cabling within the proposed development site and a containerised battery energy storage facility.

The proposal covers the upgrade of four existing site entrances and the development of a new site entrance, on-site access tracks and four temporary construction compounds. Other proposals relate to security fencing and gates, pole-mounted security cameras and all associated and ancillary site development, landscaping and reinstatement works.

The planning application will be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report and a Natura Impact Statement.

The local authority planners received the application at the end of last month, and anticipate reaching a decision by July 24, 2025.