22199: To apply for a 10 year permission for the proposed development of an underground electricity interconnector cable. The proposed development of the underground electricity interconnector cable will comprise 1 no. 33kV triple circuit cable of c.92 metres in length which is to be installed in an excavated trench including underground ducting and all associated site development and reinstatement works. The proposed development represents a minor revision to the approved layout of the solar farm previously permitted under Carlow County Council planning reference 20/143 and An Bord Pleanala Reference 307891-20 comprising the laying of underground cabling in the previously permitted grassed field area. The purpose of the proposed development is to facilitate the interconnection from the permitted solar farm to a 110kV substation which is the subject to the application to An Bord Pleanala (Reference VA01.313139) A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application.

Refusal reasons

Conditions

• 1Development to be carried out in accordance with plans received 15 June 2022.Compliance
• 2Permission relates solely to revisions to the approved solar farm layout; all other aspects follow parent permission conditions.Compliance
• 4Permission period is 10 years from the date of final grant.Other
• 5Archaeological Impact Assessment and Test Excavation required prior to commencement; no sub-surface work without archaeologist; report to Dept/Authority; CEMP to identify constraints.Archaeology Heritage
• 6All mitigation measures in the Natura Impact Statement must be adhered to and implemented in full.Environment Ecology
• 7Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) to be submitted and agreed in writing prior to commencement, available on site.Construction Management
• 8Works to comply with Best Practice Design and Construction methodology from parent solar farm permission.Compliance
• 9Ecological Clerk of Works to oversee construction and submit final certification report to Planning Authority.Environment Ecology
• 10Noise/vibration limits per BS 5228; dust <350 mm/m²/day per VDI 2119; no tonal/impulsive noise at night.Environment Ecology
• 11Water pollution control per CIRIA C532; bankside/instream works per NRA/IFI guidelines.Water Services
• 12Prevent spread of Alien Invasive Species during construction works.Environment Ecology
• 13Comply with ICNIRP radiation emission standards and EU Council recommendation 1999/519/EC.Compliance