Clonymeath Substation
Planning Application
An application has been made to An Bord Pleanála for planning permission for the construction of a 110kV substation and grid connection in the townland of Clonymeath, Summerhill, County Meath. This is to connect the consented Clonymeath Solar Farm to the electricity network.
All the planning application documents, drawings and reports are available on this website, and the project team can be contacted via the contact us page.
The application is also available for viewing at the offices of Meath County Council and An Bord Pleanála.
Project Overview
The project will consist of the development of a new 110kV substation and grid connection at Clonymeath, Summerhill, Co. Meath. The substation, grid connection and associated infrastructure will facilitate the connection of the consented Clonymeath Solar Farm to the national electricity grid through the existing Mullingar-Corduff 110 kV line.
Clonymeath Solar Farm was granted planning permission by An Bord Pleanála on 24th May 2022 (ABP-311760-21). The adjacent renewable energy project provides for a solar photovoltaic array, battery storage compound and all associated infrastructure. The planning permission for the solar farm can be found on Meath County Council ’s website, using the planning reference 21/546.
Site Location
The substation site lies approximately 1km north-east of Summerhill in the townland of Clonymeath and the Clonymeath river flows to the south of the site. Trim is approximately 8km northwest of the site. The consented solar farm is located on adjacent fields to the north of the proposed substation site.
The substation is set back over 600m from any dwellings or public roads.
Substation Location
Community Benefit
The project developer Clonymeath Solar Ltd. recognises the importance of establishing a community benefit fund and is fully committed to do so in line with best practice and guidance. There will be substantial community benefit funds accumulated through the adjacent solar generation project to be distributed in the area.
The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has published detailed guidance: Community Benefit Funds - Good Practice Principles Handbook. The need for broad-based local representation in a fund committee will be publicised through traditional and social media and parish newsletters. It will also be publicised through local public representatives, the local authority and community development committees.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The solar farm will directly displace fossil-fuel electricity and lead to over 20,000 tonnes per annum of CO2-equivalent savings. Over 60,000 tonnes of coal would be burned annually to make the same amount of electricity.
The proposed solar farm will generate renewable electricity equivalent to the consumption of approximately 15,000 households.
The construction phase of development will lead to employment opportunities (upwards of 100 no. construction staff) and local expenditure.
For long term employment opportunities, the project will create c. 10 jobs in operation, management and maintenance of the solar farm. There will be further indirect jobs associated with services and supports from business owners in the area.
The project is anticipated to pay significant development contributions to Meath County Council to improve local infrastructure and services. The project is also anticipated to pay substantial annual rates to Meath County Council.
The substation should improve the reliability and capacity of the local electricity infrastructure for businesses and homes in the greater Summerhill area.
