Bellville Solar Farm plans rejected amid widespread local opposition in North Galway

The development would have stretched across 14 townlands, including Lissaniska, Oakwood South, Cahernaglass, Ryehill Demesne, Carrowmore, Parkacurry, Killaclogher, Ballynaboorkagh, Cashlaundarragh, Corrafaireen, Shantallow, Carrowreagh East, Caherlissakill and Laragh Beg.The company had sought 10-year planning permission to develop the solar farm, which was intended to operate for 40 years.

Opposition had been growing for some time. An estimated 200 residents attended a public meeting in the Fr Sammon Centre in Monivea last year before the planning application was submitted.

Among the main concerns raised by residents and farmers was the scale of the development and the prospect of hundreds of acres of productive agricultural land being used for solar energy generation for four decades.

There were fears that it would dramatically alter the character of the surrounding countryside, replacing traditional farming land with extensive areas of solar panels and electrical infrastructure.

Residents also raised concerns about the potential impact on neighbouring farms, wildlife habitats, established hedgerows and stone walls, as well as possible effects on property values.

There were fears that changes to existing fields and drainage systems could increase water runoff onto neighbouring farmland, homes and public roads.

In its decision to refuse permission, Galway County Council identified 11 separate reasons why the development should not proceed as proposed.

They said the proposed works “are considered premature” without necessary grid connection at the location.

The council was not satisfied that the developer had clearly demonstrated the necessary legal rights or landowner permissions to carry out the proposed works.

The council also questioned the suitability of the location, which had been identified in its renewable energy strategy as an area considered less likely to be suitable for renewable energy development.

Environmental concerns featured prominently in the decision, with the council unable to rule out possible harmful effects on the protected Lough Corrib conservation area.

It was also not satisfied that the development would avoid flooding risks, either on the proposed site or on neighbouring lands.

Other reasons for refusal included concerns about road safety, possible glare from solar panels affecting motorists, shortcomings in environmental and archaeological assessments, safety issues involving existing overhead electricity lines and potential interference with public water infrastructure.

The proposed electricity substation and battery energy storage facility were not part of the planning application refused by Galway County Council.

The company behind the project, Power Capital Renewable Energy (PCRE) said the project would support Ireland’s renewable energy targets and benefit the local community.

They said farming activities such as grazing, could continue, with the land returning to agricultural use when the solar farm was decommissioned.

The developer has the right to appeal Galway County Council's decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme