Community consulted over huge energy park planned for Carlow
A major renewable energy project for County Carlow is progressing through early development stages.
The proposed Rathrush Green Energy Park has been identified as a project of regional importance and will require approval from An Coimisiún Pleanála through the Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) process.
The facility, based near Tullow, is intended to support Irelands energy transition through the production and storage of green energy, contributing to Irelands national energy security and emission reduction targets.
As part of the planning process, extensive consultation with local residents and stakeholders is expected before a final application is submitted.
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Members of the public will have the opportunity to make submissions and observations directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
According to project information released by the developers, Irish firm Net Zero Energy (NZE), Carlow County Council will act as a prescribed body during the assessment process and will provide feedback to the planning authority.
If planning permission is granted, the project will also require an Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) license from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before operations can commence.
The EPA licensing process includes further opportunities for public consultation and focuses on issues such as emissions, noise levels, water discharges and environmental compliance.
The project will also be subject to oversight from the Health and Safety Authority (HEA) due to proposed storage of fuels, including hydrogen. A formal Land Use Planning Risk Assessment and a Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) assessment will be required to determine appropriate safety measures and setback distances from nearby homes.
Developers state that the facility will be designed to comply with all EPA, HSA and COMAH requirements and would be subject to ongoing monitoring and regulatory inspections.
The project remains in the pre-planning stage, with site selection and feasibility studies completed.
Community consultation and stakeholder engagement are currently underway before planning documentation is finalised and submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
You can read more about the planning here.