Residents described the planned solar farm as an act of “rural vandalism” ALAMYPlans for a large solar farm in east Cork are being challenged by residents who say it will mean the industrialisation of a rural area. An Bord Pleánala has received three appeals against the decision by Cork county council to grant a ten-year planning permission for a solar farm between Knockraha and Leamlara. Several local residents, including the owners of a dog kennels, are opposed to Lightsource Ireland’s plan for a 48-hectare site in the townlands of Ballyvatt and Clash that will be able to provide energy for 7,650 households. The land is owned by Frank O’Driscoll of Rathcooney, Glanmire. Martin Noonan and Brigitte Schorn, owners of the A1-K9 holistic dog training centre and boarding kennels at Meeleen, Knockraha, said they had concerns over “noise…

Source: The Times January 01, 2018 00:00 UTC