Moanoola, Oola, Co. Limerick

What’s proposed

a temporary access track from the N24 to the consented 142-ha Ballyvalode Solar Farm comprising four land parcels (Limerick City and County Council Pl. Ref. 211565, An Bord Pleanála Ref. PL91.312712). The temporary access track will be 375 meters long, 5 m in width and will include two designated passing bays of approximately 50 m in length to facilitate the safe passing of construction vehicles and plant machinery. Approximately 40–50 m of localised excavation will be undertaken to facilitate the connection of the floating road to the existing founded road (i.e. the N24 and a gravel access track), with the excavated material replaced by permeable macadam to minimise surface water runoff onto the N24. A drainage swale will be provided along the north-eastern side of the access track to collect and convey surface water, with the track designed to incorporate a 2% crossfall towards the swale to promote effective drainage. The development also includes designated entrance and exit points, perimeter fencing and gates, temporary on-site storage of excavated material pending reinstatement, and all associated ancillary site development works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application