Application Verifier Report HIGH

observed on two of the six surveys. a flock of eight were observed in october while a flock of 400 were observed in november. both observations were in the same location roosting on grassland within a single field. golden plover likely use grassland habitat within and surrounding the site boundary for foraging and roosting. ... whilst a peak count of 400 birds represents a significant percentage of the spa population, this density of birds was only recorded on one visit across the winter. the absence of golden plover on four visits would indicate that the site is only used sporadically and is not a particularly important ex-situ site for the overwintering population of golden plover from lough ree spa.

• Ecological Survey for Birds (794-NI-PLE-03028XX, March 2026, by RPS) — six monthly overwintering bird surveys October 2025–March 2026; records forty species, including Lough Ree SPA Qualifying Interests golden plover and mallard; Section 4.2.1.1 reports golden plover observed on two of six surveys with a peak of 400 in November, then concludes the site is used only sporadically and is not an important ex-situ site.
• Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement (docid 379227, Tetra Tech) — screens in Lough Ree SPA and SAC; identifies surface water pollution, groundwater pollution, direct mortality, disturbance, habitat fragmentation, and damage/loss of foraging habitat as likely significant effect pathways; concludes no in-combination effects and that all pathways can be avoided with CEMP mitigation.
• Other Assessments (docid 379149) — Chapter 5 ecological assessment; contains bird species list compiled July 2025 and acknowledges limitations (not a full season of breeding bird surveys); includes preliminary bat roost scoping following BCT guidelines.
• Updated Hydrology & Hydrogeology report (PKF-JBAI-XX-XX-RP-EN-0001-A3-C04) — identifies River Inny and Lough Ree as Extremely High importance; notes River Inny has moderate WFD status and is 'At Risk/under Review' and drains into Lough Ree.

• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.28s28 guideline
  Section 3 - The AA Process 28
  See Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010), Section 3 - The AA Process 28, cited in full above.
• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.2s28 guideline
  Guidance for Planning Authorities — REVISION NOTES
  See Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010), Guidance for Planning Authorities, REVISION NOTES, cited in full above.
• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.81s28 guideline
  Section 6 - References and Further Reading 81
  See Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010), Section 6 - References and Further Reading 81, cited in full above.

• eplanning_KerryCC_201284 — refused · Kerry County Council · 38% match
  PALLAS , KILFEIGHNY SOUTH AND GLANOE , CO KERRY
  Having regard to the location of the proposed development within the Stack's to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA and the likely loss/alteration of foraging habitat for Hen Harrier, adverse effects on the integrity of the European site cannot be exc
• PL17-311536 — refused · Meath County Council · 26% match
  Lands Including Rogerstown, Smithstown, Calliaghstown,, Pilltown and Ballymad, D
  It is considered that the submitted Natura Impact Statement is not based on best available scientific information. In the absence of adequate baseline information, including the limited extent and the nature of the field surveys undertaken, the conclusions presented in the Natura
• eplanning_KildareCC_2560083 — refused · Kildare County Council · 22% match
  Townlands of Portgloriam Clonsast Ballybrack Ballyloughlan Farrandum , Clonduff
  Having regard to the significant dearth of information within the Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement in relation to surveys, habitats and species and the impact of the proposed development on the Rye Water Valley/Carton SAC, Ballynafagh Lake SAC and B
• cork_county_22/6901 — refused · cork_county · 13% match
  Ballyroe & Dromin Ballyhea Charleville Co.Cork
  The proposed development will result in the direct loss of an area of core foraging habitat Whooper Swan, a Species of Conservation Interest (SCI) of the Kilcolman Bog Special Protection Area (Site Code: 004095). Furthermore, based on the recent information provided to the Pla

the areas of active raised bog are approximately xx km away from the site however they are hydrologically linked to the lake and there is a risk of sediment or chemical pollution on site being washed into the sac and negatively impacting the designated feature. no lse anticipated

• Updated Hydrology & Hydrogeology (PKF-JBAI-XX-XX-RP-EN-0001-A3-C04-Hydrology_Hydrogeology_Ballymahon, no docid supplied) — Section 3/Table 3-5 records that the River Inny drains into Lough Ree (SAC, SPA, pNHA) and that both are of “Extremely High” importance; it states Lough Ree is “directly downstream of the proposed development via the River Inny and its tributaries” and is “hydrologically connected to the site” (p.9).
• Ballymahon Solar Farm Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement (docid 379227) — Table 2 identifies surface water and groundwater pollution as impact pathways and records LSE “Potential significant impact during works” for Lough Ree SAC natural eutrophic lakes [3150], alluvial forests [91E0] and otter [1355]; for active raised bog [7110] and degraded raised bog [7120] it says there is a risk of pollution washed into the SAC yet still concludes “No LSE anticipated” with an “XX km” placeholder.
• Ballymahon Solar Farm and BESS Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (Conservation Report, no docid supplied) — Section 1.4 states: “There is hydrological connectivity between the site and the Royal Canal, via streams and drainage ditches, which in turn connects to the wider River Shannon system, including designated sites such as Lough Ree SAC and SPA, as well as further designated sites downstream.”
• EIA Screening Report (docid 379174) — p.39 describes subsoils as “mainly sandstone till… with smaller areas of cutover peat and basic esker sands and gravels” and notes drainage to Lough Ree approximately 12.6 km downstream, but does not identify or integrate a narrow raised-peat band on the north-eastern edge.
• Environmental Consideration Report (docid 379149) — pp.101–102 states “The Hydrology and Hydrogeology Assessment determines that residual impacts … are expected to be slight and not significant” but does not itself demonstrate a route-specific source-pathway-receptor trace.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.391dev plan
  CHAPTER 14: LANDSCAPE CHARCTER
  386 uninhabited islands and the predominantly flat landscape provides for panoramic vistas across the lake at numerous locations. Small hills such as those at Newtowncashel, Cullentra and Rathcline (none of which break the 90m contour line) appear much larger in this context and act as punctuation marks in otherwise homogenous topography. The ar
• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.337dev plan
  CHAPTER 12: NATURAL HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT — 12.5.2 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) These sites are selected for the conservation and protection of birds and their habitats designated under the EU Birds Directive 2009 (2009/147/EC) (first adopted in 1979) and transposed into Irish law by the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations (SI 291 of 1985). The National Parks and Wildlife Service within the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht identify, evaluate and propose sites for designation. The boundaries of protected areas may change and/or new sites may be proposed for designation during the lifetime of this Plan.
  See Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027, CHAPTER 12: NATURAL HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT, 12.5.2 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) These sites are selected for the conservation and protection of birds and their habitats designated under the EU Birds Directive 2009 (2009/147/EC) (first adopted in 1979) and transposed into Irish law by the Conservat
• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.279dev plan
  CHAPTER 9: RURAL ECONOMY
  conspicuous nature along Lough Ree are considered sensitive in landscape terms, particularly in the context of the generally flat topography and open character of Longford landscapes. The generally upland or elevated location of quarries has the potential for significantly affecting the local landscape by visual intrusion, especially when the devel
• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.303dev plan
  CHAPTER 10: TOURISM
  Waterways Map). CPO10.48 Continue to work closely with Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland and neighbouring counties to realise the potential of Lough Ree and the Mid-Shannon region for tourism, taking account of recommendations arising from the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands ‘Shannon Tourism Masterplan’ and ‘Spirit Level’ and the Longford Tourism Stra
• OPR Practice Note PN01 — Appropriate Assessment Screening for Development Management (2021) p.32technical guidance
  Sample Case Study 2. — STEP 2. Identification of relevant Natura 2000 sites using Source-Pathway- Receptor model and compilation of information Qualifying Interests and conservation objectives.
  See OPR Practice Note PN01 — Appropriate Assessment Screening for Development Management (2021), Sample Case Study 2., STEP 2. Identification of relevant Natura 2000 sites using Source-Pathway- Receptor model and compilation of information Qualifying Interests and conservation objectives., cited in full above.

• eplanning_GalwayCC_22590 — REFUSED · Galway County Council · 32% match
  Mweelin & Pollacappul Eadarguil ,
  The applicant has not included an Appropriate Assessment Screening Report nor an Ecological Impact Assessment. Noting the proximity to a designated site, to the concerns raised in the submission received from the Department, the Planning Authority, based on the site inspectio
• eplanning_LimerickCC_25105 — refused · — · 6% match
  Wellesley Farm , Dromtrasna Hartnett , Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick.

natura impact statement no projects or plans were identified that may have an in-combination effect with

• Ballymahon Solar Farm Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement (docid 379227, by Tetra Tech) — The AAS screening identifies likely significant effect pathways to Lough Ree SPA/SAC, including surface water pollution, groundwater pollution, direct mortality, disturbance during construction, habitat fragmentation and damage/loss of foraging habitat. Table 3 lists only two projects — 2460325 (Foigha 130 ha solar farm and energy storage compound) and 02285 (Kepak Longford WWTP discharging into River Inny) — each with a short 'Appropriate Assessment Summary'. Immediately afterwards the NIS states that no in-combination projects or plans were identified.
• Updated Hydrology & Hydrogeology (no docid supplied) — Its cumulative effects section identifies nearby developments including the 130 ha Foigha solar farm (Longford Planning Ref. 2460325, approx. 1 km west), a 24-turbine wind farm, a peat extraction substitute-consent application, and several residential/hotel schemes, and concludes no significant cumulative hydrology/hydrogeology effects.
• Other Assessments (docid 379179) — Contains the same hydrology cumulative-effects text, including the 130 ha solar farm and wind/peat projects.
• Other Assessments (docid 379149) — ECR Ballymahon Solar Farm, section 5.8, says the in-combination review used Longford/Westmeath planning databases and local plans, refers to Table 6-5 as sourced from the Tetra Tech NIS, and repeats the conclusion without independent pathway analysis.
• Other Assessments (docid 379174) — EIA Screening Report Ballymahon Solar + BESS Farm concludes that the development will not adversely affect Natura 2000 site integrity 'either alone or in combination with other plans or projects', but does not provide a transparent list, mapping or pathway analysis.

• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.34s28 guideline
  Section 3 - The AA Process 34
  completed, approved but uncompleted, or proposed (but not yet approved) should be considered in this context (EC, 2002). All likely sources of effects arising from the plan or project under consideration should be considered together with other sources of effects in the existing environment and any other effects likely to arise from proposed or
• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.2s28 guideline
  Guidance for Planning Authorities — REVISION NOTES
  (Cited in full above.)
• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.28s28 guideline
  Section 3 - The AA Process 28
  (Cited in full above.)
• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.63s28 guideline
  Section 5 - Projects - AA and Development Management 63
  Steps One and Two deals with the identification and compilation of the information required about the Natura 2000 sites, to ascertain the locations of the relevant Natura 2000 sites, the qualifying interests and conservation objectives for the sites. Step Three looks at the assessment of likely significant effects. To ascertain this, a descript
• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.31s28 guideline
  Section 3 - The AA Process 31
  n on their 3. cumulative – undertaken on the s 4. tatement with conclusions 3.2.2. Description of Plan or Project n or project, including its nature, size and and 3.2.3. Natura 2000 Sites amination of what Natura 2000 sites might be affected. These lans ite boundary information for Natura 2000 sites is available from the NPWS website, eit

• PL17-311536 — refused · Meath County Council · 36% match
  Lands Including Rogerstown, Smithstown, Calliaghstown,, Pilltown and Ballymad, D
  It is considered that the submitted Natura Impact Statement is not based on best available scientific information. In the absence of adequate baseline information, including the limited extent and the nature of the field surveys undertaken, the conclusions presented in the Natura
• eplanning_KildareCC_2560083 — refused · Kildare County Council · 26% match
  Townlands of Portgloriam Clonsast Ballybrack Ballyloughlan Farrandum , Clonduff
  Having regard to the significant dearth of information within the Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement in relation to surveys, habitats and species and the impact of the proposed development on the Rye Water Valley/Carton SAC, Ballynafagh Lake SAC and B

it is respectfully submitted that undertaking a programme of archaeological test trenching prior to the determination of the planning application would not be proportionate in this instance

• Further Information Response - Ballymahon Solar + BESS (within 'Other Assessments'; docid not supplied in excerpt, pp.9–10 of 42) — responds to Further Information Request item (b), which sought a full geophysical survey and programme of intensive test excavations. The applicant expressly resists pre-determination trenching as 'not proportionate' and proposes post-consent conditioned test excavation.
• Test-Excavation at Ballymahon Solar Farm and BESS Method Statement (Shanarc Archaeology Ltd., February 2026, within 'Other Assessments') — describes proposed 'Testing Phase 1' targeted on geophysical anomalies and states further 'Phase 2' testing will be submitted separately at a later date; no completed trench results are presented.
• Geophysical Survey Report (docid 379146, Shanarc Archaeology Ltd., pp.80–81) — identifies 22 additional features of particular interest, primarily enclosures and ring-ditches, and recommends targeted test excavation of potential pit-type features plus licensed archaeological monitoring.
• Archaeological Assessment (docid 386925, Shanarc Archaeology Ltd., pp.6–7) — recommends avoidance buffers, preservation in situ, monitoring, recording of stone walls/vernacular house, and assessment during detailed design; mitigation schedule is in Section 5.4.

• sustainable rural housing development guidelines p.54s28 guideline
  Planning Guidelines
  See sustainable rural housing development guidelines, Planning Guidelines, cited in full above.
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.66s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 5 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT — 5.5 ARCHAEOLOGY
  Archaeological heritage encompasses designated and unknown archaeological heritage including entries to the Record of Monuments and Places, underwater archaeology, entries to the Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record and Northern Ireland Areas of Significant Archaeological Interest and Archaeological Potential. Also encompassed are intervisib
• OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022) p.38technical guidance
  
  See OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022), , cited in full above.

the remains of the complex comprise ruinous rubble built stone walls relating to the bawn, with remains of an external ditch particularly visible on the west side of the bawn wall south of a circular stone tower, which survives in the northwest corner of the bawn (plates 8&9). low, stone-built wall remains of a rectangular plan structure, recorded on the 25-inch os map, abuts the south side of the bawn wall; remains survive to a maximum height of 0.30m, with wall width measuring 0.65m-0.70m (plate 10).

• Archaeology Report (docid 379148) — 'Ballymahon Solar Farm and BESS, Co. Longford Archaeological Assessment' by Shanarc Archaeology Ltd (08.04.2025). It identifies and describes the bawn (LF022-072002-), circular tower, associated 17th-century house/formal garden complex, enclosure LF023-049----, burial ground LF023-050----, the esker ridge, raised circular platform, embankments and lazy-bed cultivation. The included pages show site inspection Plates 8-18 and Figures, but do not contain the full mitigation/schedule section in the supplied excerpts.
• F I Received Doc (docid 386925) — duplicate of the same Archaeological Assessment, with later received stamp 01/04/2026. It repeats the same descriptions of Parcel 3 and the bawn complex; no additional archaeological resolution is evidenced in the supplied pages.
• Other Assessments (docid 379146) — '25R0341 - Geophysical Survey Report' by Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. It presents interpretative magnetometry survey data for Parcel 3 and Parcel 2. Its key and feature list identify 'Potential Archaeology', 'SMR/RMP Site', 'Zone of Notification', and specific anomalies labelled Q = Possible enclosure or structure, S = Ring-ditch, T = Possible enclosure or structure, alongside the recorded bawn and designed landscape features.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.389dev plan
  CHAPTER 14: LANDSCAPE CHARCTER
  t the Baker, are predominantly located within the town where their scale is contained, and their landscape influence is minimal. The Roadstone Quarry at Moyne exerts a considerable landscape influence over Lough Naback, however, this serves to lessen the influence of the pylons and associated 110kv overhead wiring traversing the unit from east to
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.66s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 5 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT — 5.5 ARCHAEOLOGY
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), CHAPTER 5 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, 5.5 ARCHAEOLOGY, cited in full above.
• OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022) p.40technical guidance
   — x
  See OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022), , x, cited in full above.

tree in footprint of access route and adjacent to proposed bess location. under current proposals there is potential for impacts to this tree for access routes. prf-i trees do not require further survey and, should the tree be removed, mitigation is limited to provision of additional bat boxes on retained trees in the area.

• Other Assessments (docid 379155, pp.19–21) — 'Bats - Preliminary Roost Assessment' identifies T21 and T23 as PRF-I trees within or adjacent to the access route/BESS footprint, records 'potential for impacts', yet states PRF-I trees do not require further survey and that mitigation is limited to additional bat boxes.
• Conservation Report (Bats - Preliminary Roost Assessment and Ground Level Tree Assessment, pp.11–12 and 20–21) — gives tree-specific GLTA results; T21 and T23 are 'Avoidance or Mitigation Required', and for T21 it relies on the client's statement that the tree will not be impacted despite proximity to the access route.

• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.76technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure
  C1 Pre-existing information on species at survey site C2 Status of the species in the local/regional area C3 Objective(s) of survey C4 Survey area C5 Habitat description [based on daytime visit(s); to include the roost and surrounding area for context] C6 Field survey IWM 134 (2022) Bat Mitigation Guidelines 67 C6.1 Methods C6.2 Timing C6.3
• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.39technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66 — 5.6.2 Inspection of trees
  Surveying trees presents particular problems at any time of the year as bats will use a wide variety of roost sites in cavities, splits, cracks, knotholes and under loose bark, many of which are not easily detected from the ground. A careful survey using high-quality binoculars may pinpoint potential or actual roost sites and some species, most
• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.50technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66 — 6.2.2 Roost modification
  Modifications to roost sites, which includes the construction of new entrances, the reduction of roost space available to the bats, changes to ventilation and air-flow etc., can have a significant impact on the bats’ use of the roost and thus damage it Mackintosh (2016). In some cases, roosts can be carefully adapted and altered to create new en
• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.63technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66 — 8.4 Incorporating existing roosts into refurbished buildings
  Projects such as the refurbishment of derelict or semi-derelict buildings, barn conversions, alterations to non-domestic premises, including churches, or other structures used by bats can all provide opportunities to incorporate existing roosts into the final structure. This option is generally to be preferred to the destruction of an existing roos
• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.18technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66 — 2.2.2 When is a licence required?
  while bats are not present and the access points and roosting area are not affected; ● Remedial timber treatment, carried out with the correct (non-toxic to bats) chemicals while bats are not present.

outside scope of current application: based on communications with the client on 25/03/2026, it has been outlined that several trees lie in proximity to the indicative locations for the loop-in connection and substation (future expansion). the client has advised that these design elements do not form part of the current planning application, and therefore tree impacts associated with these features are outside the scope of this submission.

• Conservation Report / Ecological Survey for Birds (March 2026, 794-NI-PLE-03028XX) — records overwintering bird surveys and concludes, at p.10, that 'The Proposed Development would not have any likely impact on overwintering Goldcrest' and similarly for overwintering Sparrowhawk. These conclusions address only overwintering status for those two species and do not demonstrate integration of the wider bat roost or breeding-bird assessment.
• Other Assessments (docid 379155) — Ballymahon Solar Farm and BESS Bats - Preliminary Roost Assessment and Ground Level Tree Assessment (784-B071661 GP-TEM-006-02, pp.17-20) — identifies trees with bat roost suitability and sets out Tree-specific recommendations in Table 9. It scopes out future-expansion tree impacts and leaves several trees subject to 'further assessment' or compensation only if they are impacted.
• Other Assessments (docid 379155), p.17 — section 4.1.2 Trees — states that specific trees near future loop-in connection and substation expansion are outside the scope of the current application and will be considered only in a future application.

• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.76technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure
  See NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM), Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure, cited in full above.
• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.50technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66 — 6.2.3 Roost loss
  The impact of the loss of roosts on bat populations is poorly understood and difficult to study, though it is believed to be an important factor in the decline of bat populations generally. For some species which are known to move between roosts, and which rely less heavily on sites with special characteristics, the loss of a single maternity or
• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.43technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66 — 5.7.1 Presence/absence surveys
  importance of the building/structure for bats and to allow for appropriate mitigation measures to be developed. Figure 12 Derelict building with bat potential. [Photograph: Conor Kelleher] 5.7.1.2 Trees Except in the simplest cases, it is extremely difficult to survey trees and be certain that any bat roosts have been detected. Tree cavities (
• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.19technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66 — 2.2.3 Actions affecting Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
  Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are designated under the Habitats Directive to provide protection to habitats listed in Annex I and species listed in Annex II of the Directive. The lesser horseshoe bat is the only Irish bat listed in Annex II of the Directive and 41 SACs have been designated for its protection. Regulation 28 of the Habitats
• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.68technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66 — 8.5.3 Bat houses or ‘bat barns’
  Where a careful appraisal of the options indicate it is not feasible to maintain roosts in situ, purpose built bat houses or bat barns may be considered as an alternative. In view of the limited experience of the use of this compensation technique, it is essential that the risks of non-adoption by bats are minimised through careful design and site

• eplanning_LimerickCC_25105 — refused · — · 9% match
  Wellesley Farm , Dromtrasna Hartnett , Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick.
• eplanning_KildareCC_2560083 — refused · — · 7% match
  Townlands of Portgloriam Clonsast Ballybrack Ballyloughlan Farrandum , Clonduff

based on current development proposals, there is potential for impacts to trees within the footprint bess location and access routes, as outlined in section 4.1 recommendations. further assessment will be required on trees categorised as far or prf-m to determine the presence or likely absence of bat roosts, if these trees are to be impacted. prf-i trees do not require further survey and, should the tree be removed, mitigation is limited to provision of additional bat boxes on retained trees in the area. . the site layout in relation to potential bat roosts should be kept under review throughout the construction process and the potential impacts to bats revisited development proposals change.

• Other Assessments (docid 379155, Ballymahon Solar Farm and BESS Bats - Preliminary Roost Assessment, Tetra Tech, received 14/11/2025) — assesses 30 trees from the ground for Potential Roost Features (PRFs), classifies them as FAR, PRF-I or PRF-M, and contains Table 7 GLTA Results. It identifies trees within the proposed BESS footprint and access routes and sets out follow-up requirements.
• Revised bat report (no docid supplied, Ballymahon Solar Farm and BESS Bats - Preliminary Roost Assessment and Ground Level Tree Assessment, received 01/04/2026, Longford County Council Inspection Purposes Only) — contains the same PRA/GLTA results and recommendations, including Section 4.1, which defers further survey for FAR/PRF-M trees and prescribes bat boxes for PRF-I trees.

• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.78national policy
  4 Safety and Regulation — 4.2.2 European Union Directives
  See Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024, 4 Safety and Regulation, 4.2.2 European Union Directives, cited in full above.
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.59national policy
  3 Markets — 3.6.2 DS3 (‘Delivering a Secure, Sustainable Electricity System’)
  The DS3 (‘Delivering a Secure, Sustainable Electricity System’) programme was established by the Single Electricity Market Committee in 2011 to address some of the potential problems resulting from an electricity system comprised of higher rates of non-synchronous generation (i.e., wind and solar) and lower rates of thermal or synchronous genera
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.103national policy
  Annexes — A Framework to Accelerate the Deployment of Renewable Energy
  EU Regulation (2022/2577) - ‘Laying down a framework to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy’ references the planning, permit granting process, construction, and operation of electricity storage plants and installations, including Li-BESS as being in the overriding public interest. These regulations include, amongst others, greater inte
• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.16technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66 — 2.2.1 Derogation licences
  See NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM), Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66, 2.2.1 Derogation licences, cited in full above.
• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.52technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66 — 6.3 Temporal and spatial considerations
  Most bats show clear seasonal changes in behaviour and roost selection, so the impact of development may vary seasonally. This is perhaps most easily understood when considering the impact of direct disturbance on seasonally used roosts, but timing can have other impacts as well. If a traditional roost is to be lost to development, the replaceme

owing to the timing of the project commission, the survey does not constitute a full season of breeding bird surveys. instead, it provides a species list compiled from existing biological records, supplemented by incidental observations recorded during a broader programme of ecological assessment undertaken in summer 2025.

• Ecological Survey for Birds (March 2026; report ref 794-NI-PLE-03028XX; no docid supplied in the excerpt) — identifies Goldcrest as an amber-listed species of conservation concern for its breeding population, records it on four of six surveys with a peak count of eight in February, and concludes 'The Proposed Development would not have any likely impact on overwintering Goldcrest'. The survey is structured around overwintering visits from October 2025 to March 2026.
• Other Assessments (docid 379149) — ECR Ballymahon Solar Farm; Section 5.3.3 summarises field surveys and says 'No bird species listed on site designations were recorded during surveys'; Section 5.3.4 then admits the bird work is not a full breeding-bird season.
• Other Assessments (docid 379156) — includes the NBDC desk-study results and field-observed priority bird species tables; it notes NBDC returned records of 52 bird species within 2 km and lists protected/BoCCI species, including Mallard as a Lough Ree SPA Qualifying Interest.
• NIS (docid 379227) — Ballymahon Solar Farm Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement; the Stage 1 AAS concluded likely significant effects on Lough Ree SPA and Lough Ree SAC, then the NIS concluded no adverse effect on site integrity with mitigation; Section 5.1.5 addresses disturbance to Whooper Swan, Lapwing and Golden Plover, but the analysis is dominated by wintering waterbird use and distance-to-SPA reasoning.
• Other Assessments (docid 379170) — CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS; Section 2.3.4 identifies Royal Canal pNHA at 0.4 km SW and Lough Ree pNHA at 5.1 km E, and Section 2.3.5 states 'based on detailed ecological surveys and site-specific screening assessments, the proposed development is not expected to result in any significant adverse effects on the integrity of nearby European designated sites'.
• Further Information Response - Ballymahon Solar + BESS (no docid supplied; p.12 of 42) — states that a Wintering Bird Survey was carried out by RPS/Tetra Tech October 2025 to March 2026 using BTO Common Bird Census methodology, and relies on this to conclude no significant disturbance to overwintering birds; it does not address breeding or passage seasons.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.169dev plan
  CHAPTER 5: TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS
  See Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027, CHAPTER 5: TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS, cited in full above.
• OPR Practice Note PN02 — Environmental Impact Assessment Screening (June 2021) p.50technical guidance
  Form 3 — B. Examination:
  Bird surveys were carried out as part of the NIS and other ecological surveys. Bird populations of greater than Local and County importance were not identified either on the site or as part of the flight path for wintering bird populations using the SPA. No bats were encountered during the surveys. This issue can be adequately dealt with under the
• OPR Practice Note PN02 — Environmental Impact Assessment Screening (June 2021) p.36technical guidance
  Case Study 1. — Establishing if the proposal is a ‘sub-threshold development’:
  See OPR Practice Note PN02 — Environmental Impact Assessment Screening (June 2021), Case Study 1., Establishing if the proposal is a ‘sub-threshold development’:, cited in full above.

• eplanning_KerryCC_201284 — refused · Kerry County Council · 47% match
  PALLAS , KILFEIGHNY SOUTH AND GLANOE , CO KERRY
  Having regard to the location of the proposed development within the Stack's to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA and the likely loss/alteration of foraging habitat for Hen Harrier, adverse effects on the integrity of the European site cannot be exc

while the site contains a substantial number of mature treelines with the potential to support bats, these were not subject to glta as they are not impacted by the current layout. should the proposed design be revised in a manner that introduces potential impacts (such as pruning, removal, or other arboricultural interventions) on trees not included in table 7, further assessment will be required to evaluate those impacts.

• Ballymahon Solar Farm and BESS Bats - Preliminary Roost Assessment (Other Assessments, docid 379155, excerpt pp.7–12, Tetra Tech) — records that the site provides 'moderate to high quality foraging and commuting habitat for bats', identifies continuous treelines/hedgerows as commuting resources, and includes a GLTA result (T2) for a mature treeline 'parallel to access route'. It limits the GLTA to access routes/BESS and states that 'a substantial number of mature treelines' were not assessed because 'not impacted by the current layout'; the separate Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (s.1.6) says its single-visit scoping 'cannot be considered a comprehensive assessment of the ecological interest of the site'.
• Ballymahon Solar Farm and BESS Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (Conservation Report, no docid) — the bat section records 'Site provides moderate to high quality foraging and commuting habitat for bats' and 'Continuous features, established treelines, woodland parcels and hedgerows provide ecological connectivity with wider landscape'; it recommends PRA/GLTA but does not evidence an assessment of internal access-track/panel-row severance.

• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.51technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66 — 6.2.4 Fragmentation and isolation
  Recent radio-tracking and bat detector studies have demonstrated clearly the importance of linear features in the landscape to many species of bats. Features such as hedges, treelines and waterways are used by bats to navigate between roosts and feeding areas and the continuity of such features is important to them (Kyheröinen et al., 2019). Mos
• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.73technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66 — 10 Bibliography & Relevant Literature
  See NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM), Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66, 10 Bibliography & Relevant Literature, cited in full above.
• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.37technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66 — 5.4 Survey area
  As a minimum, the survey should normally cover any land or structures which are proposed for development. For phased developments, the entire site should be surveyed, not just the area of the first phase, and considered as a whole unit when assessing impacts and possible mitigation. This will help to avoid the undesirable situation where mitigat

• eplanning_KerryCC_201284 — refused · — · 7% match
  PALLAS , KILFEIGHNY SOUTH AND GLANOE , CO KERRY

disturbance (construction operation and decommission) there is a risk of whooper swan using the site for foraging or adjacent habitat being disturbed during construction. disturbance contributes to increased energetic expenditure which can result in increased likelihood of winter mortality or reduced fitness. lse - potential significant impact during works.

• Ecological Survey for Birds (794-NI-PLE-03028XX, March 2026, RPS/Tetra Tech) — the 'Conservation Report' — at pp. 12–13 (§§4.3.1 and 4.4) states: 'Given the distance of over 5km between the site of the Proposed Development and Lough Ree SPA, there is no likelihood of disturbance to the site or SCI species using the site during either construction or operation.' It also discusses on-site Golden Plover observations and says alternative improved grassland is extensive in the Ballymahon area.
• Ballymahon Solar Farm Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement (docid 379227) — p. 23, Table 1 lists Lough Ree SPA Qualifying Interests including Whooper Swan [A038], Golden Plover [A140], and Lapwing [A142]. The same NIS in the Lough Ree SPA effects table records for Whooper Swan: 'LSE – Potential significant impact during works' for loss of foraging habitat and construction disturbance.
• Further Information Response — Ballymahon Solar + BESS (no docid visible in supplied excerpt, p. 12 of 42) — states that a Wintering Bird Survey was carried out following BTO Common Bird Census methodology, including monthly visits October 2025 to March 2026, in response to a DHLGH referral requesting targeted observational data for whooper swan, Lapwing and Golden Plover.
• EIA Screening Report (docid 379174, p. 69) — notes that a Natura Impact Report has been prepared for the proposed development and identifies Lough Ree SPA (5.1 km) as a designated site.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.337dev plan
  CHAPTER 12: NATURAL HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT — 12.5.2 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) These sites are selected for the conservation and protection of birds and their habitats designated under the EU Birds Directive 2009 (2009/147/EC) (first adopted in 1979) and transposed into Irish law by the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations (SI 291 of 1985). The National Parks and Wildlife Service within the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht identify, evaluate and propose sites for designation. The boundaries of protected areas may change and/or new sites may be proposed for designation during the lifetime of this Plan.
  Table 12.2 Special Protection Areas (SPA) Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Features of Interest SPA 004061 – Lough Kinale and Derragh Lough A059 Pochard (Aythya ferina) A061 Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) A999 Wetland and Waterbirds SPA 004064 – Lough Ree Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) [A004] Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) [A038] Wigeon (Anas
• development plan guidelines 2007 p.57s28 guideline
  Planning Guidelines — Special Protection Areas (SPAs) 4.34 These sites are areas of importance for birds (and often are also important for other types of wildlife). The EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) requires designation of SPAs for:
  • Listed rare and vulnerable species. • Regularly occurring migratory species. • Wetlands, especially those of international importance, which attract large numbers of migratory birds each year. All SPAs whether formally designated or proposed to be designated, should be identified in development plans and supported by appropriate policies to secu
• development plan guidelines 2007 p.93s28 guideline
  APPENDIX B — ENVIRONMENTAL AND HERITAGE DESIGNATIONS
  for these species are classified as Special Protection Areas. Ireland is obliged to “take appropriate steps to avoid pollution or deterioration of habitats or any disturbances affecting the birds”. Only activities which do not have significant effects on birds are acceptable in SPA’s. The Birds Directive also requires the avoidance of pollution or
• guidance for planning authorities on drainage and reclamation of wetlands consultation draft p.53s28 guideline
  Appendix 3: Nature conservation sites
  50 and species that must be protected within SACs. Irish habitats include raised bogs, blanket bogs, turloughs, sand dunes, machair (flat sandy plains on the north and west coasts), heaths, lakes, rivers, estuaries and sea inlets. The 25 Irish species which must be afforded protection include Salmon, Otter, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Bottlenose Do
• OPR Practice Note PN01 — Appropriate Assessment Screening for Development Management (2021) p.32technical guidance
  Sample Case Study 2. — STEP 2. Identification of relevant Natura 2000 sites using Source-Pathway- Receptor model and compilation of information Qualifying Interests and conservation objectives.
  European Site (code) List of Qualifying Interest/Special Conservation Interest1 Distance from proposed development2 (km) Connections (Source- Pathway- Receptor) Considered further in screening Y/N North Dublin Bay SAC 000206 10 QIs https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/ files/protected-sites/conservation_ objectives/CO000206.pdf >25km East Yes W

• cork_county_22/6901 — refused · cork_county · 22% match
  Ballyroe & Dromin Ballyhea Charleville Co.Cork
  The proposed development will result in the direct loss of an area of core foraging habitat Whooper Swan, a Species of Conservation Interest (SCI) of the Kilcolman Bog Special Protection Area (Site Code: 004095). Furthermore, based on the recent information provided to the Pla
• eplanning_KildareCC_2560083 — refused · — · 6% match
  Townlands of Portgloriam Clonsast Ballybrack Ballyloughlan Farrandum , Clonduff

whilst a peak count of 400 birds represents a significant percentage of the spa population, this density of birds was only recorded on one visit across the winter. the absence of golden plover on four visits would indicate that the site is only used sporadically and is not a particularly important ex-situ site for the overwintering population of golden plover from lough ree spa.

• Ecological Survey for Birds (Conservation Report), March 2026, RPS Group — presents six overwintering bird survey visits between 29/10/2025 and 11/03/2026; recorded 40 species, including 13 species of conservation concern, of which Golden Plover and Mallard are Lough Ree SPA qualifying interests. It records a Golden Plover flock of 400 birds in November, described as over 13% of the SPA population, but then concludes the site is only used sporadically and is not particularly important.
• Other Assessments (docid 379156), Tetra Tech, November 2025 — provides summer 2025 incidental bird observations and desk-study results. Its limitations state: 'This report does not replicate or represent a full season of Breeding Bird Surveys but serves to provide a species list from existing biological records plus incidental observations made during a suite of wider ecological study in summer 2025'; also 'Data requested by NPWS was not returned' and 'Any absence of desk study records cannot be relied upon to infer absence of a species/habitat.'

• development plan guidelines 2007 p.93s28 guideline
  APPENDIX B — ENVIRONMENTAL AND HERITAGE DESIGNATIONS
  See development plan guidelines 2007, APPENDIX B, ENVIRONMENTAL AND HERITAGE DESIGNATIONS, cited in full above.
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.115s28 guideline
  109
  Fossitt, J.A. (2000) A Guide to Habitats in Ireland Heritage Council, Kilkenny Galvin, P. (2001) BirdWatch Ireland Policy on Wind farms. BWI Policy. Gilbert, G.; Gibbons, D.W. & Evans, J. (1998) Bird Monitoring Methods – A Manual of Techniques for Key UK Species. RSPB, Sandy. Institute of Geologists of Ireland (2002) Geology in Environmental Im
• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.14s28 guideline
  Section 1 - Introduction 14
  SPAs (see Figure 3) are sites that have been selected and notified for the conservation and protection of bird species listed on Annex I of the Birds Directive and regularly occurring migratory species, and their habitats, particularly wetlands8. Annex I birds are those that require special conservation measures because they are rare, in danger
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.30s28 guideline
  Planning Guidelines
  the integrity of sites designated for the purpose of their protection (conservation). Natural heritage may be impacted by wind energy developments both during the construction and operational phases. These impacts may be either temporary or permanent. Planning authorities should have full regard to biodiversity considerations in determining a
• guidance for planning authorities on drainage and reclamation of wetlands consultation draft p.53s28 guideline
  Appendix 3: Nature conservation sites
  See guidance for planning authorities on drainage and reclamation of wetlands consultation draft, Appendix 3: Nature conservation sites, cited in full above.

• PL17-311536 — refused · Meath County Council · 46% match
  Lands Including Rogerstown, Smithstown, Calliaghstown,, Pilltown and Ballymad, D
  It is considered that the submitted Natura Impact Statement is not based on best available scientific information. In the absence of adequate baseline information, including the limited extent and the nature of the field surveys undertaken, the conclusions presented in the Natura
• eplanning_KildareCC_2560083 — refused · Kildare County Council · 36% match
  Townlands of Portgloriam Clonsast Ballybrack Ballyloughlan Farrandum , Clonduff
  Having regard to the significant dearth of information within the Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement in relation to surveys, habitats and species and the impact of the proposed development on the Rye Water Valley/Carton SAC, Ballynafagh Lake SAC and B

the nature of the proposed development does not prevent birds from foraging along field boundaries or within the site itself and recently published research has suggested that solar farms, if managed correctly to reduce sheep grazing onsite and to create a mix of habitats within the site, can hold up to twice as many birds as intensively managed farmland (copping et al, 2025). correct habitat management of land within solar farms can lead to ecological enhancement through converting previously highly improved and intensely farmed grassland to wildflower meadows and the use of grazing in preference to mowing for managing grassland (birdlife europe, 2011). should the proposed development proceed and the lands within the red-line boundary no longer be suitable attractive for overwintering golden plover, the habitats found onsite are abundant in the wider area and alternative improved grassland fields are extensive in the ballymahon area. given the species only used sporadically, indicating it is not a particularly important ex-situ site for the overwintering population of golden plover from lough ree spa it is not likely that this would have a significant impact on the population of over wintering golden plover at lough ree spa as alternative roosting sites are widely available.

• Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement (docid 379227) — Ballymahon Solar Farm NIS, by Tetra Tech. Section 2.2 correctly states that, unlike standard Ecological Impact Assessment, 'compensation for adverse effects (i.e. creation of alternative habitat) is not permitted to be considered within the NIS.' Section 5.1.5 then treats Whooper Swan, Lapwing and Golden Plover disturbance in part by saying the habitat is not prime feeding ground and the birds will have other habitat they can move to.
• Ecological Survey for Birds (March 2026, 794-NI-PLE-03028XX) — overwintering bird survey report. Section 4.3.2 discusses 'Loss of foraging / roosting habitat' and immediately invokes the Copping et al (2025) solar-farm habitat enhancement claim before concluding no likely significant impact on the Lough Ree SPA Golden Plover population because alternative improved grassland is widely available.
• Other Assessments (docid 379156) — July 2025 bird survey report. It states the survey is a snapshot and does not replicate a full season of breeding bird surveys, and warns that absence of desk study records cannot be relied upon to infer absence of a species or habitat.
• Other Assessments (docid 379149) — ecological chapter with Appropriate Assessment. It reproduces the Stage 2 AA framework and notes the summer 2025 survey limitations, but the supplied excerpt does not reconcile the NIS prohibition on compensation with the bird report's post-construction habitat-enhancement reasoning.

• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.14s28 guideline
  Section 1 - Introduction 14
  See Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010), Section 1 - Introduction 14, cited in full above.
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.61s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 5 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT — 5.3.1 Appropriate Assessment
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), CHAPTER 5 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, 5.3.1 Appropriate Assessment, cited in full above.
• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.25s28 guideline
  Section 2 - Articles 6(3) and 6(4) – Clarification of Concepts and Terminology 25
  See Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010), Section 2 - Articles 6(3) and 6(4) – Clarification of Concepts and Terminology 25, cited in full above.
• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.2s28 guideline
  Guidance for Planning Authorities — REVISION NOTES
  (Cited in full above.)
• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.24s28 guideline
  Section 2 - Articles 6(3) and 6(4) – Clarification of Concepts and Terminology 24
  (Cited in full above.)

• PL17-311536 — refused · Meath County Council · 46% match
  Lands Including Rogerstown, Smithstown, Calliaghstown,, Pilltown and Ballymad, D
  It is considered that the submitted Natura Impact Statement is not based on best available scientific information. In the absence of adequate baseline information, including the limited extent and the nature of the field surveys undertaken, the conclusions presented in the Natura
• cork_county_22/6901 — refused · cork_county · 22% match
  Ballyroe & Dromin Ballyhea Charleville Co.Cork
  The proposed development will result in the direct loss of an area of core foraging habitat Whooper Swan, a Species of Conservation Interest (SCI) of the Kilcolman Bog Special Protection Area (Site Code: 004095). Furthermore, based on the recent information provided to the Pla

mitigation measures should include, but not be limited to, the following: 1. timing of site clearance works and construction: there are no recommendations for restrictions on timing of site works in relation to overwintering birds.

• Other Assessments (docid 379156, internal reference 784-B071661 GP-TEM-006-02) — contains the 7–11 July 2025 bird field survey, desk study results, limitations, and recommendations. It explicitly records that the survey "does not replicate or represent a full season of Breeding Bird Surveys" and that a full breeding bird survey records bird assemblages at regular intervals throughout March to August. Section 4.0 states "All construction and vegetation clearance works should be scheduled to avoid the nesting bird season, between March and September", but the supplied excerpt cuts off before showing how this is secured.
• Conservation Report (no docid supplied; internal references 784-B071661 GP-TEM-006-02 and 794-NI-PLE-03028XX Ecological Survey for Birds, March 2026, RPS) — is the RPS overwintering bird report only ('This report discusses overwintering birds only'); the nesting-season 'Timing of Works' recommendation (March to September) is in the Tetra Tech Other Assessments, not this report. In the same document, the RPS overwintering bird report at page 14 states under Recommendations: "There are no recommendations for restrictions on timing of site works in relation to overwintering birds" and later "This report discusses overwintering birds only."

• development plan guidelines 2007 p.93s28 guideline
  APPENDIX B — ENVIRONMENTAL AND HERITAGE DESIGNATIONS
  (Cited in full above.)
• guidance for planning authorities on drainage and reclamation of wetlands consultation draft p.53s28 guideline
  Appendix 3: Nature conservation sites
  (Cited in full above.)
• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.14s28 guideline
  Section 1 - Introduction 14
  (Cited in full above.)
• development plan guidelines 2007 p.57s28 guideline
  Planning Guidelines — Special Protection Areas (SPAs) 4.34 These sites are areas of importance for birds (and often are also important for other types of wildlife). The EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) requires designation of SPAs for:
  See development plan guidelines 2007, Planning Guidelines, Special Protection Areas (SPAs) 4.34 These sites are areas of importance for birds (and often are also important for other types of wildlife). The EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) requires designation of SPAs for:, cited in full above.
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.30s28 guideline
  Planning Guidelines
  See wind energy development guidelines 2006, Planning Guidelines, cited in full above.

• eplanning_LimerickCC_25105 — refused · — · 5% match
  Wellesley Farm , Dromtrasna Hartnett , Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick.

the specific battery technology, its chemical composition, and the corresponding fire suppression system details will be finalised upon the selection of the bess supplier. full safety details and the associated emergency response plan are to be formally submitted to and agreed upon in writing with the relevant fire authority prior to the commencement of installation or operation of the bess units.

• Fire Safety Statement Ballymahon Solar + BESS (docid 379180, 25 pages, PlanEnergy) — describes the BESS compound and commits to finalising battery technology, chemical composition and suppression systems only upon supplier selection, with full safety details and the Emergency Response Plan to be agreed with the Fire Authority before installation/operation (p.8).
• BESS report (docid 379152, 32 pages) — confirms 56 modular, containerised battery enclosures and 18 step-up transformers; states the specific model and design of the BESS containers will be confirmed at a later stage, and that ‘A condition of a planning permission to agree on the exact type of container would be welcomed’ (p.23 of 32).
• CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS (docid 379170, 96 pages) — Section 9.3 sets out fire suppression, toxic fume and firewater measures, but states the specific model of the BESS containers will be determined at a later stage; proposes bunded drainage and settlement ponds sized to hold 24 hours of firewater storage (pp.93-94).
• EIA Screening Report Ballymahon Solar + BESS Farm (docid 379174, 77 pages) — repeats the BESS compound description and deferral of the container model/design to a later stage, with a planning condition to agree the exact type welcomed (p.27).
• Fire Safety Assessment – Ballymahon Solar Farm BESS Facility (Unsolicited Information, Regent Fire Consultants, ref 2547282IE-FSA-DM) — identifies hazards and mitigation but states its recommendations are ‘not intended to be a system specification’ and are recommendations rather than a legal obligation, and requires a full review prior to construction and Fire Service consultation prior to commencement (pp.39-40, 46, 54-55).

• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.89national policy
  Annexes — Annex A: 18 BESS Installations
  No. Battery Name Capacity (MW) Energised Date Owner 1 Aghada I BESS 01 19 Dec 2021 ESB GEN 2* Aghada II 75 Mar 2024 ESB GEN Aghada II 75 Apr 2024 3 Avonbeg Battery 16 Oct 2022 Avonbeg Storage Ltd 4 Gardnershill 8.5 Dec 2020 Flexilia Power Ltd 5 Gorey Battery 9 Dec 2021 RES Storage Ireland Ltd 6 Barnesmore ESS Golagh 3 Mar 2022 Scotti
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.76national policy
  4 Safety and Regulation — policy framework also recognises that the safe and regulated integration of electricity storage
  See Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024, 4 Safety and Regulation, policy framework also recognises that the safe and regulated integration of electricity storage, cited in full above.
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.78national policy
  4 Safety and Regulation — 4.2.2 European Union Directives
  (Cited in full above.)
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.3national policy
  4.4 Irish Context.......................................................................................................... 80
  Annexes .............................................................................................................................. 88 Annex A: 18 BESS Installations ....................................................................................... 88 Annex B: Electricity Storage System Technologies........................................
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.116national policy
  List of Abbreviations
  See Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024, List of Abbreviations, cited in full above.

• eplanning_KildareCC_2560083 — refused · Kildare County Council · 25% match
  Townlands of Portgloriam Clonsast Ballybrack Ballyloughlan Farrandum , Clonduff
  Having regard to the significant dearth of information within the Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement in relation to surveys, habitats and species and the impact of the proposed development on the Rye Water Valley/Carton SAC, Ballynafagh Lake SAC and B

construction and delivery vehicle movements will be scheduled outside the morning and evening peak traffic periods; therefore, the impact on the local road network during construction is expected to be minimal. traffic management measures to address temporary construction traffic impacts are outlined in section 10. deliveries to the site will arrive at a steady rate during the day, the majority of which will consist of lorries that will be brought onto the site over the excavation period of the construction stage of the development, and during the panel installation. the number of vehicles per day is not yet known; however, an estimation for the number of deliveries is presented in table 4.1. the final number of deliveries will be calculated prior to the commencement of work.

• Other Assessments (docid 379173) — the 'OTMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS' / Traffic Management Plan & Site Access Report, 66 pages. Section 4.1 says construction traffic will avoid peak periods and the impact is expected to be minimal, but also states 'The number of vehicles per day is not yet known' and defers the final count to before commencement of work. Table 4.1 lists 1,731 total deliveries including 56 BESS units, 515 substation/electrical equipment deliveries and 616 imported crushed stone deliveries. The summary says the final delivery route will be confirmed with Longford County Council before construction starts and that only an 'initial inspection' of R392/R397/L5527 has been carried out.
• Other Assessments (docid 379170) — the CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS, File No. 1249, 96 pages. Its Section 4 Traffic Management repeats the same Table 4.1 and the statement that daily vehicle numbers are not yet known, and refers to the OTMP as the separate supporting document.
• Other Assessments (docid 379149) — the ECR Ballymahon Solar Farm, 193 pages. Section 13 Traffic and Transport repeats that the number of vehicles per day is not yet known and that delivery routes will be established with Longford County Council before commencement; it concludes construction traffic impacts on other road users are 'slight, negative, and of short-term duration' without a route capacity or junction analysis.
• Other Assessments (docid 379174) — the EIA Screening Report Ballymahon Solar + BESS Farm, 77 pages. It identifies 'a potential for localized impacts on traffic flow along the construction delivery route' but relies on a Site Access Report and a pre-commencement CTMP to mitigate impacts, and concludes no significant adverse traffic impacts without quantified trip generation or capacity analysis.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.432dev plan
  CHAPTER 16: DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS
  427 DMS16.109 Proposed applications for such facilities should include a detailed design statement including the following: a) The need for school accommodation. b) Justification for proposed site location. c) Details on accessibility, including pedestrian, cycle and public transport provisions and linkages to the proposed development. d) Provi
• quarries and ancillary activities p.16s28 guideline
  Chapter 3: Environmental implications 3.1 Overview of environmental issues associated with quarries There is a wide range of potential environmental effects caused by quarries which planning authorities need to consider when dealing with proposals for new development, or for significant expansion of existing extractive industries. Such impacts may arise during the development stage (e.g. earth stripping operations) or may endure throughout the life of the quarry, possibly over several decades. The impact can be permanent, even after closure and decommissioning, unless carefully planned rehabilitation is undertaken. Ancillary developments, such as concrete manufacturing, also may have significant impacts which need to be addressed at the outset, so that the cumulative effects from the site might be assessed. It is recommended that planning authorities should familiarise themselves with evolving best environmental management practice as set out in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines “Environmental Management in the Extractive Industry: Non-Scheduled Minerals”(see Appendix B for details). The Irish Concrete Federation (ICF) has drawn up an Environmental Code for the aggregate and concrete product industries, to promote member awareness of, and commitment to, good environmental principles (see Appendix B). The principal environmental impacts which tend to occur, and relevant possible mitigation measures, are set out below. (See Appendix A for a glossary of technical terms used in this and following chapters). 3.2 Noise and vibration Extractive industries are associated with many noise-generating activities – removal of topsoil and overburden, excavation with machinery, drilling and blasting of rock, crushing and screening of aggregates, transport of raw materials and finished products within the site and on public roads, etc. Blasting (which occurs at quarries, but not in sand and gravel pits) can give rise to vibration, audible noise, flyrock and dust. The levels of vibration caused by blasting are well below those which can cause structural damage to properties. Nonetheless, vibration transmitted through the ground and pressure waves through the air (“air overpressure”) can shake buildings and people and may cause nuisance. Audible noise accompanies overpressure. Noise can cause annoyance, nuisance, sleep disturbance and can also affect wildlife. Residential properties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, churches, etc. are also noise-sensitive receptors. Best practice/possible mitigation measures: The nearer a site to noise-sensitive properties or areas, the more stringent should be the controls on noise emissions. There are several methods of noise control:
  he existing character of the area, and the nature and scale of the aggregates extraction, a variety of after-uses may be possible, including farming, forestry, recreation/amenity uses, nature conservation, or industry. Where the excavated area will be below the water table, a landscaped pond or lake may be possible. It is important that the accep
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.206s28 guideline
  3 CONSTRUCTION AND DECOMISSIONING NOISE CONTROL — 3.1 CONSTRUCTION AND DECOMMISSIONING NOISE CRITERIA
  mpact of construction activities. 200  Limit normal working hours to 08:00 to 18:00 for weekdays and 09:00 to 13.00 on Saturdays during construction. No work shall take place at night-time, Sundays or bank holidays unless prior written approved permission is provided by the planning authority for a specific defined time period.  Comply at a m
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.130s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 6 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT- AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS IN THE SITING AND DESIGN — 6.12.4 Roads/Tracks
  The impact of access routes on landscape can be minimised by sensitive routing and design.  The number and extent of roads/tracks serving the site should be kept to a minimum. Access routes should utilise existing roads where possible.  Access roads/tracks should relate to key characteristics of landscape, e.g., the roads should not follow a s
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.79s28 guideline
  73
  • The number and extent of roads/tracks serving the site should be kept to a minimum. Access routes should utilise existing roads where possible. • Access roads/tracks should relate to key characteristics of landscape, e.g., the roads should not follow a straight line up a Mountain Moorland slope directly to the wind energy development, but rather

• eplanning_KerryCC_201284 — refused · — · 8% match
  PALLAS , KILFEIGHNY SOUTH AND GLANOE , CO KERRY

this inspection was undertaken to confirm that the pavement along the reviewed roads is suitable for consideration as a possible delivery route. as the final delivery route will be confirmed and agreed with longford county council prior to the commencement of construction works, a further detailed pavement inspection will be conducted at that stage to verify suitability and identify any necessary mitigation measures.

• Traffic Management Plan & Site Access Report, prepared as OTMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS, File No. 1250 (docid 379173, 66 pages) — sets out road widths of R392/R397/L5527 generally 4.5–7.0 m, records an initial pavement inspection on 11 July 2025 with photographs, but states the inspection was only to confirm suitability as a 'possible delivery route' and defers further detailed inspection.
• CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS, File No. 1249 (docid 379170, 96 pages) — Table 4.1 estimates 1,731 deliveries over a 12-month construction period; Section 4.3 states the route from Dublin Port to site is 'a potential option' and the definitive route will be agreed with Longford County Council before commencement.
• ECR Ballymahon Solar Farm (docid 379149, 193 pages) — Chapter 13 Traffic and Transport states that delivery routes will be established with Longford County Council before commencement and that traffic management requirements will be enforced for the 12-month construction period.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.169dev plan
  CHAPTER 5: TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS
  (Cited in full above.)
• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.432dev plan
  CHAPTER 16: DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS
  See Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027, CHAPTER 16: DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS, cited in full above.
• quarries and ancillary activities p.16s28 guideline
  Chapter 3: Environmental implications 3.1 Overview of environmental issues associated with quarries There is a wide range of potential environmental effects caused by quarries which planning authorities need to consider when dealing with proposals for new development, or for significant expansion of existing extractive industries. Such impacts may arise during the development stage (e.g. earth stripping operations) or may endure throughout the life of the quarry, possibly over several decades. The impact can be permanent, even after closure and decommissioning, unless carefully planned rehabilitation is undertaken. Ancillary developments, such as concrete manufacturing, also may have significant impacts which need to be addressed at the outset, so that the cumulative effects from the site might be assessed. It is recommended that planning authorities should familiarise themselves with evolving best environmental management practice as set out in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines “Environmental Management in the Extractive Industry: Non-Scheduled Minerals”(see Appendix B for details). The Irish Concrete Federation (ICF) has drawn up an Environmental Code for the aggregate and concrete product industries, to promote member awareness of, and commitment to, good environmental principles (see Appendix B). The principal environmental impacts which tend to occur, and relevant possible mitigation measures, are set out below. (See Appendix A for a glossary of technical terms used in this and following chapters). 3.2 Noise and vibration Extractive industries are associated with many noise-generating activities – removal of topsoil and overburden, excavation with machinery, drilling and blasting of rock, crushing and screening of aggregates, transport of raw materials and finished products within the site and on public roads, etc. Blasting (which occurs at quarries, but not in sand and gravel pits) can give rise to vibration, audible noise, flyrock and dust. The levels of vibration caused by blasting are well below those which can cause structural damage to properties. Nonetheless, vibration transmitted through the ground and pressure waves through the air (“air overpressure”) can shake buildings and people and may cause nuisance. Audible noise accompanies overpressure. Noise can cause annoyance, nuisance, sleep disturbance and can also affect wildlife. Residential properties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, churches, etc. are also noise-sensitive receptors. Best practice/possible mitigation measures: The nearer a site to noise-sensitive properties or areas, the more stringent should be the controls on noise emissions. There are several methods of noise control:
  See quarries and ancillary activities, Chapter 3: Environmental implications 3.1 Overview of environmental issues associated with quarries There is a wide range of potential environmental effects caused by quarries which planning authorities need to consider when dealing with proposals for new development, or for significant expansion of existing
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.79s28 guideline
  73
  See wind energy development guidelines 2006, 73, cited in full above.
• OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022) p.63technical guidance
  
  (b) Surface water from the site shall be prevented from running onto the surface of the public road by provision of a concrete grid with sump drained to the local drain or soakaway. (c) Adequate provision shall be made for drainage of surface water from the public road by the provision of a concrete grid with sump drained to a local drain or soaka

• eplanning_TipperaryCC_19601430 — REFUSED · Tipperary County Council · 33% match
  Kyleagarry Kyle Ballyryan East and Gortdrum , Donohill , Co. Tipperary
  Having regard to the failure of the applicants to demonstrate compliance with these requirements with respect to the demonstration of sight lines, and the precedent that a grant of permission for the proposed development would create for other, similar developments in the vicinit
• eplanning_GalwayCC_22406 — REFUSED · — · 8% match
  Ballymoneen/ Grange East ,

the analysis determined that no roadway receptor had daily maximum glare duration over 5 minutes, which can be considered negligible in terms of impact.

• Glint and Glare Report, Ballymahon Solar Farm and BESS, August 2025, within Other Assessments (docid 379150, pages 49–51) — states 242 separate roadway receptor locations were analysed at 50m intervals, 50° field-of-view, 2m height, excluding glare within 10° of the sun; Table 5 lists 11 roadway receptors but its own table shows OP_16 at 6 min, OP_17 at 6 min and OP_18 at 5 min.
• windPRO GLARE - Main result, calculation: roadway, within Other Assessments (docid 379150) — tabulates receptors OP_1–OP_242, including OP_10–OP_13 with 2 min daily maximum and OP_14–OP_18 up to 9 min.
• F I Received Doc (docid 386931), windPRO GLARE - Main result, calculation: roadway_2026 — updated modelling shows OP_12 at 7 min, OP_13 at 6 min, OP_14 at 11 min, OP_15 at 11 min, OP_16 at 15 min, OP_17 at 18 min and OP_18 at 16 min, all in morning intervals 06:23–07:00.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.169dev plan
  CHAPTER 5: TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS
  (Cited in full above.)
• OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022) p.98technical guidance
  
  (Cited in full above.)

• wexford_20231475 — refused · wexford · 28% match
  Clohass, The Leap
  The proposed development is considered to be contrary to official policy in relation to development involving access to national roads, development along such roads is set out in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Spatial Planning and National Roads
• eplanning_LimerickCC_25105 — refused · — · 7% match
  Wellesley Farm , Dromtrasna Hartnett , Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick.
• eplanning_KildareCC_2560083 — refused · — · 6% match
  Townlands of Portgloriam Clonsast Ballybrack Ballyloughlan Farrandum , Clonduff

these mitigation measures should be interpreted as recommendations rather than a legal obligation/requirement given the absence of clear and robust legislation/guidance within the republic of ireland at the time of writing. the information, opinion and recommendation presented within this section of the report is not intended to be a system specification but rather a summary of general fire/explosion safety provisions which it is recommended should be incorporated into the chosen bess unit based on the knowledge/experience of this consultancy.

• Other Assessments (docid 379180) — Fire Safety Statement Ballymahon Solar + BESS, File No. 1250, pages 17–19: commits to a bunded BESS drainage system, firewater containment of minimum 24 hours or as determined by Fire Authority, and pre-operations ERP, but states the specific containment capacity 'will be detailed and submitted upon final BESS design agreement' and ERP will be submitted 'prior to site operations'.
• Unsolicited Information — Fire Safety Advice and Assessment Report 2547282IE-FSA-DM, Ballymahon Solar Farm BESS Facility, pages 39–40: Section 5.2 states mitigation measures are 'recommendations rather than a legal obligation/requirement' and 'not intended to be a system specification'; Section 5.2.1 says the report 'should be the subject of a full review prior to commencement of the construction phase'.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.433dev plan
  CHAPTER 16: DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS
  (Cited in full above.)
• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.169dev plan
  CHAPTER 5: TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS
  (Cited in full above.)
• OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022) p.98technical guidance
  
  (Cited in full above.)
• OPR Practice Note PN02 — Environmental Impact Assessment Screening (June 2021) p.36technical guidance
  Case Study 1. — Establishing if the proposal is a ‘sub-threshold development’:
  (Cited in full above.)

a possible delivery route has been identified for assessment purposes, originating from dublin port and continuing to longford before proceeding to the proposed sites. the final delivery route will be confirmed and agreed with longford county council prior to the commencement of construction works. [...] an initial inspection of the r392, r397, and l5527 was undertaken on 11 july 2025, covering approximately 4 km from ballymahon to the proposed site entrances and including the link roads between the two sites. pavement condition, widths, roadside drainage, and utility infrastructure were recorded. the inspection confirmed the suitability of the reviewed roads as a potential delivery route, subject to a detailed pavement inspection to be undertaken once the final route has been agreed with longford county council.

• Other Assessments (docid 379173, 66 pages, by the applicant's traffic consultant) — contains 'OTMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS File No. 1250'. It includes Section 7 Pavement Conditions Along Proposed Routes, Section 9 Visibility Standards at Site Entrance, Section 10 Traffic Mitigation Measures and Section 11 Summary & Conclusions, with Appendix A possible delivery route maps, Appendix B initial swept analysis for normal loads, and Appendix C visibility drawings. The OTMP identifies a 'possible delivery route' from Dublin Port, records an initial inspection of the R392, R397 and L5527 on 11 July 2025, applies visibility standards from the Longford County Development Plan, and lists pre- and post-construction pavement condition surveys, banksmen/STOP-GO controls and temporary signage. Its conclusions state the development is acceptable, but it expressly defers the final route, detailed pavement inspection and exact hedge-trimming locations to later agreement with Longford County Council.

• TII/DMRB: Assessment of Road Bridges & Structures for Abnormal Load Vehicles (AM-STR-06048) p.41technical guidance
  ANNEX C MANAGEMENT OF ABNORMAL VEHICLE MOVEMENTS
  C1 General When the Local Authority receives a notification from a haulier for the movement of an abnormal vehicle, the suitability of the vehicle to pass over a specific structure may be assessed using the procedures given in this Annex. A separate check should be made for adequate height and width clearances for the safe travel of the abnormal v
• TII/DMRB: Assessment of Road Bridges & Structures for Abnormal Load Vehicles (AM-STR-06048) p.44technical guidance
  ANNEX C MANAGEMENT OF ABNORMAL VEHICLE MOVEMENTS — SV80 SV100 SV196[AK1]
  A 1.58 1.28 1.00 B 1.54 1.21 1.04 C 1.25 1.02 1.12 D 1.28 1.01 1.13 National Roads Authority Volume 3 Section 4 Design Manual for Roads and Bridges Part 15 BD 86/15 April 2015 C/5 C9 Example 2: Regulated Movement of the abnormal load vehicle The detailed results available from the assessment of bridge D for the SV100 load model are given in
• TII/DMRB: Assessment of Road Bridges & Structures for Abnormal Load Vehicles (AM-STR-06048) p.37technical guidance
  ANNEX B BASIS OF SV AND SOV LOAD MODELS FOR ASSESSMENT
  Load effects were calculated for all the SO vehicles over 150 tonnes recorded during 2004 and 2005. The vehicle effects were converted to equivalent Type HB Units and plotted as illustrated in Figure B.3. It can be seen that the effects of real vehicles range from some 20 to 140 equivalent Units of Type HB. Based on the results of load effects crit
• TII/DMRB: Assessment of Road Bridges & Structures for Abnormal Load Vehicles (AM-STR-06048) p.6technical guidance
  1. INTRODUCTION
  General 1.1. This Standard allows the assessment of load effects from realistic abnormal load vehicles using SV and SOV load models, which produce more accurate results than the Type HB load model in NRA BD 37. In general this should offer the following benefits: (i) Attainment of higher load capacity ratings, particularly for structures with loa

• eplanning_KerryCC_201284 — refused · — · 5% match
  PALLAS , KILFEIGHNY SOUTH AND GLANOE , CO KERRY
• eplanning_GalwayCC_2361008 — REFUSED · — · 5% match
  Grange East Peakroe Ballinloughaun Moor Cashla & Barrettstown , Co. Galway

data requested by npws was not returned. nbdc returned records of 52 bird species within 2 km of the site.

• Ballymahon Solar Farm Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement (docid 379227, excerpt pages 15–20, project code 784-B071661 / GP-TEM-006-02) — recites the AA/NIS legal framework and states that a NIS is included, but the supplied NIS excerpts (pp.15-20) do not themselves show the site-specific qualifying-interest list or the integrity conclusion; the ECR carries a qualifying-interest and conservation-objective table.
• Bird Species Technical Note / bird survey report (docid 379156, excerpt pages 5–6) — records NBDC 52 bird species within 2 km, states that NPWS data was not returned, and lists 10 priority species observed during field visits; no survey dates, effort, seasonality or connectivity information appears in the excerpt.
• Ballymahon Solar Farm and BESS Bats - Preliminary Roost Assessment (docid 379155) and Bats - Preliminary Roost Assessment and Ground Level Tree Assessment (Conservation Report excerpt; no docid shown) — survey dates and weather (7 and 8 July 2025) are recorded for the preliminary roost assessment, but survey results and any demonstrated feeding into the NIS do not appear in the supplied excerpts.
• Ballymahon Solar Farm and BESS Otter (Lutra lutra) Survey Report (docid 379204) — appendices contain legislation/policy text; no otter survey findings, seasonality or connectivity analysis appear in the supplied excerpt.
• CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS (docid 379170, excerpt pages 30–31) — lists NHAs/pNHAs and states the proposed development 'is not expected to result in any significant adverse effects on the integrity of nearby European designated sites', but the detailed ecological surveys relied on are not shown in the excerpt.
• EIA Screening Report (docid 379174, excerpt pages 69–70) — lists designated sites and heritage features but does not evidence cross-referencing with the NIS/EcIA assessments.
• Smooth Newt habitat assessment (cited in the ECR as Tetra Tech, 2025b and summarised at s.5.3.3) — its findings are not shown as feeding the NIS integrity conclusion in the supplied excerpts.

• local area plans guidelines for planning authorities june 2013 p.28s28 guideline
  3 — Section 57 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 outlines important obligations for planning authorities in preparing and making local area plans under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.
  It is critical that a local area plan includes appropriate policies and objectives for the conservation, and protection of European sites and to ensure that their integrity will not be adversely affected by the implementation of the plan or development5. The plan should also have appropriate policies and objectives for the conservation and protecti
• OPR Practice Note PN01 — Appropriate Assessment Screening for Development Management (2021) p.12technical guidance
  Screening Process — Steps and matters to be considered:
  2. Identify the relevant European sites and compile information on Qualifying Interests and conservation objectives. (a) Identify all European sites that might be affected using the Source-Pathway-Receptor model. (b) Identify the Qualifying Interests of the site concerned and the conservation objectives. (c) Determine which of those Qualifying
• OPR Practice Note PN01 — Appropriate Assessment Screening for Development Management (2021) p.7technical guidance
  2.0 Key Concepts — Conservation Objectives
  Conservation objectives are prepared for all European sites and are available on the NPWS website and from the EPA’s AA tool. An example of the conservation objectives for a SAC is available here. In all cases, the conservation objectives will list the habitats and species for which the site is selected (the Qualifying Interests/SCIs). Site-specif
• OPR Practice Note PN01 — Appropriate Assessment Screening for Development Management (2021) p.24technical guidance
  Template Screening Form — STEP 2. Identification of relevant Natura 2000 sites using Source-Pathway- Receptor model and compilation of information on Qualifying Interests and conservation objectives.
  European Site (code) List of Qualifying Interest/Special Conservation Interest1 Distance from proposed development2 (km) Connections (Source- Pathway- Receptor) Considered further in screening Y/N 1 Short paraphrasing and/or cross reference to NPWS is acceptable – it is not necessary to reproduce the full text on the QI/SCI. 2 If the site or

bnrg ballymahon ltd, are applying for a 10 year planning permission with an operational lifespan of 40 years, for development of a solar farm and battery energy storage system in the townlands of cartronbrack, tirlickeen, clogh, corryena, and lismacmurrogh, county longford.

• Site Notice (no docid supplied) — multiple site notices (Nos. 2, 3, 4 and directional) each state 'We, BNRG Ballymahon Ltd, intend to apply for a 10 Year Planning Permission with an operational lifespan of 40 years...' No condition is included.
• Other Assessments (docid 379215) — Landscape and Visual Appraisal by Cunnane Stratton Reynolds, p.12, Section 1.3 Description of Proposed Development, repeats the same wording and treats the 40-year lifespan as part of the project description.
• Other Assessments (docid 379152) — BESS report by PlanEnergy, Executive Summary, p.5, repeats the 10-year/40-year formulation and describes the development but provides no condition securing the term.
• F I Received Doc (docid 386931) — Glint and Glare Report, March 2026, Executive Summary, p.2, repeats the same formulation.
• Other Assessments (docid 379170) — CEMP, p.8, Section 1 Introduction, repeats the same formulation; no time-limit condition.
• Updated Hydrology & Hydrogeology (docid not supplied in excerpt) — Section 1.2 Proposed Development, repeats the same formulation and notes the substation is a separate application, but no operational-term condition.

• quarries and ancillary activities p.30s28 guideline
  Chapter 4: Assessment of planning applications and Environmental Impact Statements 4.1 Introduction This chapter is intended to assist planning authorities when dealing with applications for quarries, and particularly those applications involving Environmental Impact Statements. 4.2 Pre-application consultations Section 247 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 makes provision for pre- application consultations with the planning authority and planning authorities should facilitate such consultations. The developer of a proposed quarry should consider at the outset whether the development would be in accordance with the development plan for the area (see Chapter 2, paragraph 3 above). Owners and operators will be aware of the public concern which certain extractive industry developments can give rise to and should therefore take the earliest opportunity to explain their proposals to the planning authority and to ensure that all relevant planning and environmental issues are fully addressed in any subsequent planning application. They should also discuss significant operational issues, such as working hours and likely traffic volumes, at the pre-application stage. Rehabilitation of the site after the end of extraction should also be considered at the design stage. If an Environmental Impact Statement is required to be submitted (see Chapter 4, paragraph 4 below), Section 173 enables a prospective applicant, when preparing an EIS, to request the planning authority to provide a written opinion (“scoping”) on the information to be contained in the EIS. Article 95 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 sets out the procedure for scoping requests. Best practice in EIS preparation includes consultation with all relevant parties, such as statutory consultees and the local community, to ensure that their concerns are identified and addressed in the EIS. The EPA has published advice on the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (see Appendix B), which is of benefit to both applicants and planning authorities. 4.3 Submitting a planning application If an EIS is not required, the developer should consider whether the following items are relevant to the proposed development and, if so, should ensure that they are adequately documented as part of the planning application. Failure to do so is likely to lead for a request from the planning authority for further information and thus to delay consideration of the application. (Applications for quarries must of course comply with all of the standard planning application requirements in relation to public notices, drawings, etc.). — 4.5 Requirements of section 261 In addition to the above requirements, section 261 of the Act stipulates that a planning application and an EIS will be required for the continued operation of a quarry which has been registered in accordance with this section where:
  ected life of the reserves within the site. The purpose of setting a finite period is 30 not to anticipate that extraction should not continue after the expiry of that period, but rather to enable the planning authority, in conjunction with the developer and environmental authorities, to review changes in environmental standards and technology o

where geophysical anomalies fall outside established buffer zones, it is recommended that these be subject to targeted archaeological test excavation to determine their nature and significance.

• Archaeology Report by Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. (docid 379148, received 14/11/2025) — Section 4 records a detailed magnetometry survey under licence 25R0341 and notes that the survey covered five parcels, but Parcel 2 and Parcel 4 were subsequently removed and former Parcel 5 renamed Parcel 2. It states the survey produced 'a large number of anomalies across all surveyed parcels', most as modern agricultural activity.
• 25R0341 - Geophysical Survey Report by Michael Greiner & Seán Shanahan of Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. (docid 379146) — reports results by parcel/field. It identifies a recorded enclosure LF023-049----, a smaller ring-ditch, a possible circular enclosure, numerous potential pit-type features, and records 'a burnt spread, marking the location of a possible prehistoric fulacht fia' in Field 2 and 'a possible horseshoe shaped low mound' in Field 4.
• Further Information Request from Longford County Council (within Other Assessments, no docid supplied) — requires the applicant's archaeologist to carry out 'a full geophysical survey of the whole development site and a programme of intensive test excavations' at locations chosen by the archaeologist, licensed under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004.
• Further Information Response - Ballymahon Solar + BESS (no docid supplied, p.9 of 42) — states recorded monuments and potential features are 'entirely avoided by applying a 20m non-development buffer zone' and that 'Where geophysical anomalies fall outside established buffer zones, it is recommended that these be subject to targeted archaeological test excavation to determine their nature and significance.'
• Test-Excavation at Ballymahon Solar Farm and BESS Method Statement by Shanarc Archaeology Ltd. (February 2026, no docid supplied) — provides an indicative test-trench array for a possible Phase 2, but contains no completed excavation results in the supplied excerpts.

• sustainable rural housing development guidelines p.54s28 guideline
  Planning Guidelines
  (Cited in full above.)
• OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022) p.38technical guidance
  
  (Cited in full above.)

the battery and battery supplier has not been selected so the chemical composition of the batteries/electrolytes are not known. the fire suppression system details depend on the battery supplier selected too. once the battery supplier has been selected the full safety details of the bess units are to be agreed with the fire authority prior to the development taking place.

• Fire Safety Statement Ballymahon Solar + BESS (docid 379180, 25 pages) — states the final BESS supplier/model will be confirmed later, but says thermal runaway, toxic gases and contaminated firewater are 'well understood' and will be addressed through compartmentalisation, fire detection/suppression and drainage; its Appendix 1 records the Fire Officer's comments that battery chemistry is not known and full BESS safety details are to be agreed with the Fire Authority before development.
• Ballymahon Solar Farm BESS Facility fire safety assessment (provided as 'Unsolicited Information', internal ref 2547282IE-FSA-DM, pages cited 12–13 and 40–41) — states at p.40 that 'no particular product data or specifications have been provided' and at pp.12–13 that an Explosion Protection Document and Emergency Evacuation Plan 'cannot be adequately completed until such time as detailed design and management information becomes available'.
• Other Assessments (docid 379142) — contains the fire consultant's FSAHMA scope and response to the Fire Officer, including methodology to obtain final BESS make/model, suppression method and tested fire resistance; confirms no BESS unit details are yet available.
• CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS (docid 379170, 96 pages) — Section 9.3.3 states toxic fume risk is 'extremely low' and lists inert-gas suppression and deflagration panels, but provides no hydrogen fluoride dispersion model or site-specific airflow/venting calculations.

• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.115national policy
  Annexes — Annex H: UL & NFPA Specific Standards
  See Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024, Annexes, Annex H: UL & NFPA Specific Standards, cited in full above.
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.85national policy
  4 Safety and Regulation — 4.4.6 HSA the SHAW Act & SEVESO III Directive
  The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has responsibility for ensuring workers and those affected by a work activity are protected from work related injury and ill health. This role is undertaken under the occupational Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work Act 2005. The Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 set out the
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.84national policy
  4 Safety and Regulation — 4.4.4 Installation with an EPA licence
  Where an installation which holds an EPA licence proposes to install a battery electricity storage system, the installation should contact the EPA and may require a licence alteration or licence review. Licensable activities which also propose installation of battery electricity storage system will have the storage infrastructure assessed as pa
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.78national policy
  4 Safety and Regulation — 4.2.2 European Union Directives
  The European Union in 2020 presented an initial proposal for a regulatory framework for electricity storage batteries to ensure sustainability (such as carbon footprint rules, minimum recycled content, performance and durability criteria), to address social and environmental risks not presently covered by EU legislation and to establish mandator
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.104national policy
  Annexes — EU Battery Safety Standards (See also 4.2.2 EU Directives)
  EU Directive (2023/1542) – ‘Concerning Batteries & waste batteries’, sets out the homogenisation of electricity storage products as well as safety testing and certification requirements relevant to battery energy storage systems, such as Li-BESS that deliver electric energy to the grid or store electricity for delivery to electric energy end use

• eplanning_KildareCC_2560083 — refused · Kildare County Council · 36% match
  Townlands of Portgloriam Clonsast Ballybrack Ballyloughlan Farrandum , Clonduff
  The Applicant has not demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that the proposed development is appropriate from a fire safety perspective, by virtue of not submitting the relevant details in relation to on-site battery storage and fire safety, specifically b

the battery and battery supplier has not been selected so the chemical composition of the batteries/electrolytes are not known. the fire suppression system details depend on the battery supplier selected too. once the battery supplier has been selected the full safety details of the bess units are to be agreed with the fire authority prior to the development taking place.

• Fire Safety Statement Ballymahon Solar + BESS, File No. 1250 (docid 379180) — includes references to NFPA 855, IEC 62619/EN 62619, TGD B and other standards; sets out a future Emergency Response Plan; and Appendix 1 records Longford County Council Fire Officer comments.
• Unsolicited Information (no docid shown) — report 2547282IE-FSA-DM Ballymahon Solar Farm BESS Facility, pp.12-14 and 40-41 — the fire consultant's assessment, which states that many fire safety items cannot be completed until detailed design after grant of planning permission.
• Other Assessments (docid 379142) — contains the Fire Officer's feedback and the applicant's response/scope of works from Plan Energy; the scope is a methodological outline to obtain and review BESS unit information later.
• CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS, File No. 1249 (docid 379170), p.93 — sections 9.3.2-9.3.4 provide standards and generic mitigation for toxic fumes and contaminated firewater, while stating the specific BESS container model will be determined later.

• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.115national policy
  Annexes — Annex H: UL & NFPA Specific Standards
  (Cited in full above.)
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.85national policy
  4 Safety and Regulation — 4.4.6 HSA the SHAW Act & SEVESO III Directive
  See Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024, 4 Safety and Regulation, 4.4.6 HSA the SHAW Act & SEVESO III Directive, cited in full above.
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.84national policy
  4 Safety and Regulation — 4.4.4 Installation with an EPA licence
  See Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024, 4 Safety and Regulation, 4.4.4 Installation with an EPA licence, cited in full above.
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.78national policy
  4 Safety and Regulation — 4.2.2 European Union Directives
  (Cited in full above.)
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.104national policy
  Annexes — EU Battery Safety Standards (See also 4.2.2 EU Directives)
  See Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024, Annexes, EU Battery Safety Standards (See also 4.2.2 EU Directives), cited in full above.

• eplanning_KildareCC_2560083 — refused · Kildare County Council · 36% match
  Townlands of Portgloriam Clonsast Ballybrack Ballyloughlan Farrandum , Clonduff
  The Applicant has not demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that the proposed development is appropriate from a fire safety perspective, by virtue of not submitting the relevant details in relation to on-site battery storage and fire safety, specifically b

however, it is not possible to develop all aspects of the items raised above until such time as this project progresses to a detailed design, which is not likely to occur until such time as planning permission is granted. at this early stage in the design process, information which would inform many of the above items is not yet available and several of the points discussed will be driven by the bess product chosen for the site. similarly, emergency planning such as preparation of an explosion protection document and an emergency evacuation plan cannot be adequately completed until such time as detailed design and management information becomes available.

• Fire Safety Statement Ballymahon Solar + BESS (docid 379180, 25 pages, author not specified) — identifies thermal runaway, toxic gases and contaminated firewater as key risks, but Sections 5.4-5.8 repeatedly commit to providing bunding/storage capacity, drainage details, consequence modelling and the Emergency Response Plan at a later design stage.
• Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) Ballymahon Solar + BESS (docid 379170, 96 pages, author not specified) — Section 9.3.4 commits to a bunded drainage system with settlement ponds 'sized to hold 24 hours of firewater storage', but gives no computed firewater volume, containment capacity, retention time or treatment specification.
• Fire Safety Assessment and Hazard Mitigation Analysis Report (2547282IE-FSA-DM Ballymahon Solar Farm BESS Facility, no docid supplied) — describes the thermal runaway mechanism at pages 33-34 and a hazard mitigation matrix at pages 50-51, but at page 12 states that many fire-safety details cannot be developed until detailed design after planning permission.

• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.115national policy
  Annexes — Annex H: UL & NFPA Specific Standards
  (Cited in full above.)
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.85national policy
  4 Safety and Regulation — 4.4.6 HSA the SHAW Act & SEVESO III Directive
  (Cited in full above.)
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.84national policy
  4 Safety and Regulation — 4.4.4 Installation with an EPA licence
  (Cited in full above.)
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.78national policy
  4 Safety and Regulation — 4.2.2 European Union Directives
  (Cited in full above.)
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.104national policy
  Annexes — EU Battery Safety Standards (See also 4.2.2 EU Directives)
  (Cited in full above.)

• eplanning_KildareCC_2560083 — refused · Kildare County Council · 36% match
  Townlands of Portgloriam Clonsast Ballybrack Ballyloughlan Farrandum , Clonduff
  The Applicant has not demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that the proposed development is appropriate from a fire safety perspective, by virtue of not submitting the relevant details in relation to on-site battery storage and fire safety, specifically b
• eplanning_RoscommonCC_2460537 — REFUSED · — · 5% match
  Ballyoughter , Ballaghaderreen , Co. Roscommon.

it is not possible to develop all aspects of the items raised above until such time as this project progresses to a detailed design, which is not likely to occur until such time as planning permission is granted. at this early stage in the design process, information which would inform many of the above items is not yet available and several of the points discussed will be driven by the bess product chosen for the site. similarly, emergency planning such as preparation of an explosion protection document and an emergency evacuation plan cannot be adequately completed until such time as detailed design and management information becomes available. it is therefore the recommendation of this consultancy that further consultation should be held with the fire authority once a detailed design is produced and prior to commencement of the construction phase to establish what (if any) regulatory procedures are required to demonstrate compliance with relevant guidance (where such guidance is produced in the intervening time).

• Fire Safety Statement Ballymahon Solar + BESS, File No. 1250 (docid 379180, 25 pages) — describes the BESS compound, commits to integrated fire suppression, and states that the final BESS supplier, battery chemistry and ERP will be finalised/agreed later; Section 5.6 names flammable gases only as hydrogen and carbon monoxide and says Consequence and Dispersion Modelling will be submitted.
• CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS, File No. 1249 (docid 379170, 96 pages) — Section 9.3.2 lists international standards, Section 9.3.3 addresses toxic fumes generically and states the specific BESS container model will be determined at a later stage; Section 9.3.4 describes bunded firewater management but does not quantify HF or toxic gas dispersion.
• Fire Safety Assessment/Hazard Mitigation Analysis Report 2547282IE-FSA-DM, Ballymahon Solar Farm BESS Facility (docid 379142, including the fire-safety checklist and consultant response) — identifies thermal runaway, glycol, BMS and transformer hazards; p.12-13 explicitly states that many fire-safety items cannot be completed until detailed design after planning permission; p.40-41 says product data/specifications have not been provided.
• Council fire-safety request/checklist (within docid 379142) — required comprehensive firefighting action plan, water supply, spacing/separation fire risk assessment, Explosion Protection Document, run-off management and risk assessment; the consultant response says those items are largely deferred.

• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.115national policy
  Annexes — Annex H: UL & NFPA Specific Standards
  (Cited in full above.)
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.85national policy
  4 Safety and Regulation — 4.4.6 HSA the SHAW Act & SEVESO III Directive
  (Cited in full above.)
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.84national policy
  4 Safety and Regulation — 4.4.4 Installation with an EPA licence
  (Cited in full above.)
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.78national policy
  4 Safety and Regulation — 4.2.2 European Union Directives
  (Cited in full above.)
• Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland 2024 p.104national policy
  Annexes — EU Battery Safety Standards (See also 4.2.2 EU Directives)
  (Cited in full above.)

• eplanning_KildareCC_2560083 — refused · Kildare County Council · 36% match
  Townlands of Portgloriam Clonsast Ballybrack Ballyloughlan Farrandum , Clonduff
  The Applicant has not demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that the proposed development is appropriate from a fire safety perspective, by virtue of not submitting the relevant details in relation to on-site battery storage and fire safety, specifically b
• eplanning_RoscommonCC_2460537 — REFUSED · — · 7% match
  Ballyoughter , Ballaghaderreen , Co. Roscommon.

a landscape and biodiversity management plan (lbmp) will be prepared for the proposed development.

• Ballymahon Solar Farm Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement (docid 379227, page 14) — states 'A Landscape and Biodiversity Management Plan (LBMP) will be prepared for the proposed development' and notes that 186 hedgerows will be removed; indicates restoration with rewilding after decommissioning.
• Ballymahon Solar Farm and BESS Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (part of the submitted Conservation Report) — records no invasive non-native species on site but acknowledges additional evidence may emerge later in the season; makes optional biodiversity enhancement recommendations for bird boxes and native planting; does not provide an operational management plan.
• Landscape Mitigation & Enhancement Plan – Northern Block – Parcels 2 & 3 (docid 379233) — includes planting schedule and marks bird, bat and insect boxes as 'indicative locations'; General Notes state 'All levels and setting out to be determined on site by the Ecological Clerk of Works.'
• Landscape Mitigation & Design Overall Site Layout and Planting Schedule (docid 379164) — provides detailed species percentages and spacing for trees, hedge plants, shrubs and native grass mix but no management prescriptions, monitoring or audit triggers.
• Other Assessments (docid 379215) — describes 'The Landscape Mitigation and Biodiversity Plan outlines a number of measures…' but only at design-intent level, without measurable operational commitments.
• Application cover letter (docid 379142) and Site Notice — list 'Landscaping and biodiversity enhancement measures' but the list of accompanying documents does not name a standalone Biodiversity Management Plan, and the NIS indicates the LBMP will be prepared later.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.350dev plan
  CHAPTER 12: NATURAL HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT
  345 amenity areas include Lough Ree, the Rivers Shannon, Inny and Camlin, the Royal Canal, Newcastle Wood and other forests and the future rehabilitated Bord na Móna bogs. All of these amenity areas are in close proximity to each other and they have the potential to create an interlinked and unique natural heritage amenity area for the County.
• lap draft guidelines june 2012 p.40s28 guideline
  5 — 5.4 Integrating Environmental Considerations in Local Area Planning The development trends of recent years have raised questions about sustainability in environmental as well as economic and social terms. Local area plans can play a key role in turning around future patterns towards less energy intensive, more prudent and ecologically sensitive ways to meet the development needs of Irish society and its economy. Local area plans should therefore be based fundamentally doing no harm to the stock of environmental qualities that might be affected by the development of that area and in addition, maximising the opportunities for improving environmental qualities.
  essment and Strategic Environmental Assessment will also assist planning authorities in looking at wider biodiversity issues arising from its proposed implementation. Local Biodiversity Action Plans, adopted as part of integrated Local Heritage Plans, can set out a range of measures for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity at the l
• local area plans guidelines for planning authorities june 2013 p.43s28 guideline
  5 — 5.4 Integrating Environmental Considerations in Local Area Planning The development trends of recent years have raised questions about sustainability in environmental as well as economic and social terms. Local area plans can play a key role in turning around future patterns towards less energy intensive, more prudent and ecologically sensitive ways to meet the development needs of Irish society and its economy. Local area plans should therefore be based fundamentally doing no harm to
  Screening of a local area plan for Appropriate Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment will also assist planning authorities in looking at wider biodiversity issues arising from its proposed implementation. Local Biodiversity Action Plans, adopted as part of integrated Local Heritage Plans, can set out a range of measures for the conserv
• Ireland's National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030 (final updated 2024) p.77national policy
  2. National Objectives and Targets — LULUCF
  increase the adaptive capacity of people and biodiversity while also contributing to climate change mitigation. A new and updated Fourth Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030 was published in January 2024. A new Biodiversity Sectoral Adaptation Plan will
• Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030 (NPWS, 2024) p.25national policy
  Collective Action for Biodiversity
  In 2002, Ireland published its first National Biodiversity Action Plan (2002- 2006)42 as the main vehicle for meeting commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and EU Biodiversity Strategy. The overall objective of the first Plan was to secure the conservation, including where possible the enhancement, and sustainable use of bi

• eplanning_LimerickCC_25105 — refused · — · 4% match
  Wellesley Farm , Dromtrasna Hartnett , Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick.

following decommissioning, the site area, other than access tracks, will be fully revegetated to return the site to its pre-development condition. the site will undergo a restoration process with rewilding efforts to support biodiversity.

• Other Assessments (docid 379149) — ECR Ballymahon Solar Farm, Section 5.7.3: commits post-decommissioning revegetation using native species, rewilding, wildflower meadows/scrub/bird and bat boxes, and post-restoration monitoring; invasive species control is mentioned only for decommissioning machinery cleaning.
• Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement (docid 379227) — states the post-decommissioning restoration quote and relies on 'management set out in section 5.3.1' to maintain suitable foraging habitat, and section 5.3.1 commits only generally to long grass with native meadow grass and wildflowers beneath the panels when not grazed.
• Other Assessments (docid 379215) — Landscape Mitigation and Biodiversity Plan text: hedgerow/tree planting in first available planting season; field margin wildflower/bird seed mixes after main civil works; habitat housing.
• Visual Assessment Report — Landscape Mitigation & Biodiversity Plan drawing 25188-2-100: legend shows wildflower meadow/wild bird seed cover, field margin cover, bird/bat/insect boxes, and native screen mixes.
• Other Assessments (docid 379158) — Decommissioning Report Site Rehabilitation and Restoration: native seed mix for disturbed areas, decompaction, drainage repair, but framed as post-decommissioning.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.350dev plan
  CHAPTER 12: NATURAL HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT
  See Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027, CHAPTER 12: NATURAL HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT, cited in full above.
• lap draft guidelines june 2012 p.40s28 guideline
  5 — 5.4 Integrating Environmental Considerations in Local Area Planning The development trends of recent years have raised questions about sustainability in environmental as well as economic and social terms. Local area plans can play a key role in turning around future patterns towards less energy intensive, more prudent and ecologically sensitive ways to meet the development needs of Irish society and its economy. Local area plans should therefore be based fundamentally doing no harm to the stock of environmental qualities that might be affected by the development of that area and in addition, maximising the opportunities for improving environmental qualities.
  See lap draft guidelines june 2012, 5, 5.4 Integrating Environmental Considerations in Local Area Planning The development trends of recent years have raised questions about sustainability in environmental as well as economic and social terms. Local area plans can play a key role in turning around future patterns towards less energy intensive, mor
• local area plans guidelines for planning authorities june 2013 p.43s28 guideline
  5 — 5.4 Integrating Environmental Considerations in Local Area Planning The development trends of recent years have raised questions about sustainability in environmental as well as economic and social terms. Local area plans can play a key role in turning around future patterns towards less energy intensive, more prudent and ecologically sensitive ways to meet the development needs of Irish society and its economy. Local area plans should therefore be based fundamentally doing no harm to
  See local area plans guidelines for planning authorities june 2013, 5, 5.4 Integrating Environmental Considerations in Local Area Planning The development trends of recent years have raised questions about sustainability in environmental as well as economic and social terms. Local area plans can play a key role in turning around future patterns tow
• Ireland's National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030 (final updated 2024) p.77national policy
  2. National Objectives and Targets — LULUCF
  See Ireland's National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030 (final updated 2024), 2. National Objectives and Targets, LULUCF, cited in full above.
• Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030 (NPWS, 2024) p.25national policy
  Collective Action for Biodiversity
  See Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030 (NPWS, 2024), Collective Action for Biodiversity, cited in full above.

on balance, the importance of the change to the inherent landscape character of the receiving environment is regarded as 'moderate.' given the mitigation efforts inherent in the design proposals of both developments, the quality of effect will be neutral, while the duration of effect will be 'long term.'

• Landscape and Visual Appraisal – Ballymahon Solar (docid 379215, by Cunnane Stratton Reynolds) — at p.40 it assigns cumulative landscape effects an importance of ‘Moderate’, quality ‘Neutral’ and duration ‘Long Term’, and states a 5km ZVI is used ‘as is standard’.
• Other Assessments / ECR Ballymahon Solar Farm landscape chapter (docid 379149, pp.123–131) — sets out methodology, references GLVIA3 and CPO 4.47 only in the supplied excerpt, and reproduces generic sensitivity/magnitude tables (Table 9-2, Figure 9-2).
• Visual Assessment Report (no docid, RFI response) — reassesses viewpoints 4, 5, 6 and 8 after layout changes and claims landscape effects are unchanged, with more hedgerow/tree cover.
• Further Information Response – Ballymahon Solar + BESS (no docid, p.41 of 42) — states the proposal is ‘in line with recommendations ... landscape and visual impacts set out in the Longford County Development Plan’ without providing the underlying assessment.
• F I Received Doc (docid 386940) — sets out renewable-energy policy benefits and low-impact assertions; does not contain a landscape character assessment in the supplied excerpt.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.165dev plan
  CHAPTER 5: TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS
  (Cited in full above.)
• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.279dev plan
  CHAPTER 9: RURAL ECONOMY
  See Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027, CHAPTER 9: RURAL ECONOMY, cited in full above.
• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.448dev plan
  CHAPTER 16: DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS
  (Cited in full above.)
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.111s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 6 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT- AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS IN THE SITING AND DESIGN — 6.10.2 Hilly and Flat Farmland
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), CHAPTER 6 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT- AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS IN THE SITING AND DESIGN, 6.10.2 Hilly and Flat Farmland, cited in full above.
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.150s28 guideline
  METHODOLOGY
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), METHODOLOGY, cited in full above.

• PL17-311536 — refused · Meath County Council · 47% match
  Lands Including Rogerstown, Smithstown, Calliaghstown,, Pilltown and Ballymad, D
  HER POL 52 of the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 is to protect and enhance the quality, character, and distinctiveness of the landscapes of the county in accordance with the national policy and guidelines and the recommendations of the Landscape Character Assessment (

each project currently permitted and/or currently being considered in the planning process in the wider area will be subject to planning conditions which include appropriate mitigation measures to minimise environmental impacts. provided that mitigation measures for other developments are implemented as permitted, there will be no significant cumulative effects.

• Other Assessments (docid 379174) — EIA Screening Report, Ballymahon Solar + BESS Farm, pp.59–73. Section 5.9 'Potential Cumulative Impacts' contains Table 5.1 and the generic statement that each permitted/considered project will be subject to planning conditions, so 'there will be no significant cumulative effects.'
• Other Assessments (docid 379174) — EIA Screening Report, p.72, screening checklist item (g). It states a 'comprehensive desktop review of available historical planning data within a 2km radius' and refers to 'Planning Reference 2460325 and 2460255' — an inconsistency with Table 5.1, which lists 2460325 and 2360075.
• NIS (docid 379227) — Ballymahon Solar Farm Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement, section 5.2 'In-Combination Effects'. Table 3 as reproduced lists only planning refs 2460325 (130 ha solar farm) and 02285 (Kepak WWTP), with AA summaries.
• Other Assessments (docid 379215) — Landscape and Visual Appraisal by Cunnane Stratton Reynolds. Section 1.4.4 Planning History identifies Foigha Solar Farm (2460325) and DerryAdd Wind Farm; section 1.6.5 Cumulative Landscape Effects concludes there would be a 'notable localised increased intensity of the same renewable energy type land use' and scores the cumulative change as Medium magnitude / Moderate importance.
• Other Assessments (docid 379149) — ECR Ballymahon Solar Farm, section 7.1.7 Cumulative Assessment. It limits the cumulative noise review to a 5 km radius and identifies only planning ref 2460325, predicting cumulative noise levels below NG4 criteria.

• Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 p.37national policy
  Greening Industry — What does the Package propose?
  This Package: • Reinforces the importance of developing indigenous renewables to Ireland’s energy security both as a short-term and long-term measure. The detailed plans for the roll- out and targets for renewables are set out in the CAP23 and will be updated in annual revisions of the Climate Action Plan. The delivery of Ireland’s CAP23 targets
• Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 p.35national policy
  A Renewables-led System — What are we already doing?
  Accelerating Renewables is one of the six vital high impact sectors in the CAP23 for delivering a significant reduction in emissions. CAP23 is about facilitating large-scale deployment of renewables, which is essential for decarbonising the power sector as well as enabling the electrification of other technologies. The CAP23 also highlights that t
• Ireland's National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030 (final updated 2024) p.208national policy
  Chapter 22 of the Climate Action Plan 2024 focuses on climate adaptation, primarily in the — SDG;
  enetration of renewables in electricity generation will have knock on effects on the level of emissions of key pollutants across the state. It is also proposed in the national demand management strategy, which is currently out to public consultation, that legislation
• OPR Practice Note PN01 — Appropriate Assessment Screening for Development Management (2021) p.8technical guidance
  2.0 Key Concepts — In-Combination Effects
  Some projects are unlikely to have significant effects on their own. However, the effects in- combination with other plans or projects could be significant. The in-combination assessment should concentrate on projects/plans that could in fact act in-combination with the current project to affect site conservation objectives. For example, in a site
• OPR Practice Note PN02 — Environmental Impact Assessment Screening (June 2021) p.6technical guidance
  2.0 Key Concepts — Cumulative Effects
  Cumulative effects can arise in two ways. Firstly, the addition of several minor or significant effects. These include the effects of other projects to create larger, more significant effects. While a single activity may itself result in a minor impact, it may, when combined with other impacts (minor or significant), result in an impact that is con

• eplanning_KildareCC_2560083 — refused · — · 7% match
  Townlands of Portgloriam Clonsast Ballybrack Ballyloughlan Farrandum , Clonduff

based on the available flood mapping, hydrological data, topographical information, and site-specific observations, sufficient information is available to complete the flood risk assessment without the need for detailed hydraulic modelling.

• Updated Hydrology & Hydrogeology (PKF-JBAI-XX-XX-RP-EN-0001-A3-C04-Hydrology_Hydrogeology_Ballymahon, received 01/04/2026, pages 3-5) — identifies two tributaries of the River Inny along the northeast boundaries, a pool and culverted tributary in Parcel 1, and an OPW Arterial Drainage Channel along Parcels Two and Three. Section 3.2.1 concludes the site is not in Flood Zone A or B based on CFRAM, MRFS, HEFS and National Indicative Flood Mapping, placing it in Flood Zone C.
• Other Assessments (docid 379179, pages 5-6) — earlier hydrology/hydrogeology report with the same Flood Zone C conclusion based on CFRAM, MRFS, HEFS and National Indicative Flood Mapping.
• Other Assessments (docid 379178, pages 16-24) — FRA Ballymahon Solar + BESS, File No. 1255. Screening and scoping sections state the site is Flood Zone C based on OPW, EPA and Longford County Development Plan mapping, note one location of potential localised pluvial water accumulation in Parcel 1, and conclude no detailed hydraulic modelling is needed.
• Other Assessments (docid 379174, page 40) — EIA Screening Report Ballymahon Solar + BESS Farm repeats the Flood Zone C conclusion from CFRAM, MRFS, HEFS and National Indicative Flood Mapping.
• Other Assessments (docid 379170, page 57) — CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS, Section 5.3 Hydrology and Drainage, states that the development is not situated within Flood Zones according to CFRAM maps and that mitigation measures will be implemented, but no pre/post development runoff figures are given in the supplied excerpts.

• the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities nov 09 p.71s28 guideline
  Glossary of Terms
  See the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities nov 09, Glossary of Terms, cited in full above.
• EMRA Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 p.158regional
  Regional Spatial & Economic Strategies SEA, AA & RFRA ² — Flooding is a natural process that plays a role in shaping the natural environment. Floods are a regular occurrence and the Region has experienced a number of severe flooding events in recent years, particularly on flood plains and in coastal areas, where flood risks will increase due to more frequent extreme weather events and sea level rise linked to climate change. Flooding can occur from a range of sources, individually or combined, including: coastal flooding (from the sea or estuaries); fluvial flooding (from rivers or streams); pluvial flooding (from intense rainfall events and overland flow); groundwater flooding (typically from Turloughs), and other sources, such as from blocked culverts. The long-term land use planning of the Region must also consider the likelihood of higher flood risks both inland and in coastal locations due to climate change.
  See EMRA Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031, Regional Spatial & Economic Strategies SEA, AA & RFRA ², Flooding is a natural process that plays a role in shaping the natural environment. Floods are a regular occurrence and the Region has experienced a number of severe flooding events in recent years, particularly on flood plains and in
• the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities technical appendices nov 09 p.19s28 guideline
  A
  See the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities technical appendices nov 09, A, cited in full above.
• the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities nov 09 p.76s28 guideline
  What is the Justification Test?
  See the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities nov 09, What is the Justification Test?, cited in full above.

• eplanning_WicklowCC_23211 — REFUSED · Wicklow County Council · 29% match
  Lake Road , Camaderry , Glendalough
  Having regard to the location of the building and effluent management and treatment system within on existing floodplain which is, identified as having a High probability of flooding as set out in section 3.6 of "The Planning System and Flood Risk Management, Guidelines for Local
• eplanning_MeathCC_23657 — REFUSED · — · 13% match
  Smithstown , Julianstown , Co. Meath A92 Y196
• eplanning_GalwayCC_22590 — REFUSED · — · 6% match
  Mweelin & Pollacappul Eadarguil ,

at the detailed design stage, a surface water drainage strategy will be prepared in accordance with the existing natural drainage regime at the site.

• Updated Hydrology & Hydrogeology (PKF-JBAI-XX-XX-RP-EN-0001-A3-C04-Hydrology_Hydrogeology_Ballymahon) — identifies River Inny tributaries along the parcels, records groundwater vulnerability from Moderate to Extreme, and concludes the site is in Flood Zone C based on CFRAM maps; it does not quantify pre/post run-off rates.
• Other Assessments (docid 379178) — FRA Ballymahon Solar + BESS, File No. 1255 — Table 5.1 identifies fluvial flooding as significant, but Sections 5-6 conclude the whole site is Flood Zone C from CFRAM mapping and provide no site-specific run-off or attenuation calculations.
• Other Assessments (docid 379179) — earlier Hydrology & Hydrogeology report (C02) — materially repeats the Flood Zone C classification and groundwater vulnerability findings, confirming the assessment remains desktop classification.
• Other Assessments (docid 379173) — OTMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS, File No. 1250 — Section 8.1 expressly defers a surface water drainage strategy to detailed design and asserts, without calculations, that post-development runoff will not exceed greenfield rates.
• Other Assessments (docid 379170) — CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS, File No. 1249 — Section 5.3 summarises hydrological constraints and states mitigation measures will be implemented, but supplies no drainage calculations, soil classifications or infiltration test results.

• the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities nov 09 p.71s28 guideline
  Glossary of Terms
  (Cited in full above.)
• EMRA Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 p.158regional
  Regional Spatial & Economic Strategies SEA, AA & RFRA ² — Flooding is a natural process that plays a role in shaping the natural environment. Floods are a regular occurrence and the Region has experienced a number of severe flooding events in recent years, particularly on flood plains and in coastal areas, where flood risks will increase due to more frequent extreme weather events and sea level rise linked to climate change. Flooding can occur from a range of sources, individually or combined, including: coastal flooding (from the sea or estuaries); fluvial flooding (from rivers or streams); pluvial flooding (from intense rainfall events and overland flow); groundwater flooding (typically from Turloughs), and other sources, such as from blocked culverts. The long-term land use planning of the Region must also consider the likelihood of higher flood risks both inland and in coastal locations due to climate change.
  (Cited in full above.)
• the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities technical appendices nov 09 p.19s28 guideline
  A
  (Cited in full above.)
• the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities nov 09 p.76s28 guideline
  What is the Justification Test?
  (Cited in full above.)

• wexford_20231475 — refused · wexford · 39% match
  Clohass, The Leap
  Inadequate information has been provided with regards to the drainage capabilities of the site to enable the Planning Authority to adequately assess the impacts of the proposed soak pit drainage system forming part of the proposed development. The proposed development would th
• eplanning_GalwayCC_22406 — REFUSED · Galway County Council · 35% match
  Ballymoneen/ Grange East ,
  Based on the information submitted the planning authority is not satisfied that the proposed development can be accessed and surface water disposed of adequately, as these integral components required to serve and facilitate the development are located outside of the planning uni

on the basis of the site's topography, the available datasets, and supporting observations, it is concluded that the proposed development is not at risk of flooding and will not increase flood risk elsewhere. the information available is sufficient to support a stage 1 flood risk assessment (screening), and no further detailed modelling is required.

• Updated Hydrology & Hydrogeology (PKF-JBAI-XX-XX-RP-EN-0001-A3-C04-Hydrology_Hydrogeology_Ballymahon) — classifies the site as Flood Zone C based on CFRAM, MRFS, HEFS and NIFM mapping; notes subsoils include cutover peat and basic Esker sands and gravels, with Moderate to High permeability.
• Other Assessments (docid 379178) — internally 'FRA Ballymahon Solar + BESS' File No. 1255 (26 pages) — concludes the site is Flood Zone C, identifies fluvial flooding as a potential mechanism, but determines a Stage 1 Screening FRA is sufficient and no detailed hydraulic modelling is required.
• Other Assessments (docid 379179) — internally 'Hydrology_Hydrogeology_Ballymahon' (PKF-JBAI-XX-XX-RP-EN-0001-A3-C02) — repeats Flood Zone C and groundwater vulnerability Moderate to Extreme with locally important aquifer.
• Other Assessments (docid 379170) — CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS, File No. 1249 (96 pages) — summarises hydrology and drainage, relies on mitigation measures mainly during construction, but contains no pre/post runoff calculations.
• Other Assessments (docid 379173) — OTMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS, File No. 1250 (66 pages) — says a surface water drainage strategy will be prepared at detailed design stage, with soakaways and linear drainage at entrances, and asserts post-development runoff will not exceed existing greenfield rates but provides no quantified assessment.
• Other Assessments (docid 379174) — EIA Screening Report Ballymahon Solar + BESS Farm (77 pages) — repeats that the site is Flood Zone C and no significant flood risk identified.

• the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities nov 09 p.71s28 guideline
  Glossary of Terms
  (Cited in full above.)
• EMRA Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 p.158regional
  Regional Spatial & Economic Strategies SEA, AA & RFRA ² — Flooding is a natural process that plays a role in shaping the natural environment. Floods are a regular occurrence and the Region has experienced a number of severe flooding events in recent years, particularly on flood plains and in coastal areas, where flood risks will increase due to more frequent extreme weather events and sea level rise linked to climate change. Flooding can occur from a range of sources, individually or combined, including: coastal flooding (from the sea or estuaries); fluvial flooding (from rivers or streams); pluvial flooding (from intense rainfall events and overland flow); groundwater flooding (typically from Turloughs), and other sources, such as from blocked culverts. The long-term land use planning of the Region must also consider the likelihood of higher flood risks both inland and in coastal locations due to climate change.
  (Cited in full above.)
• the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities technical appendices nov 09 p.19s28 guideline
  A
  (Cited in full above.)
• the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities nov 09 p.76s28 guideline
  What is the Justification Test?
  (Cited in full above.)

• wexford_20231475 — refused · wexford · 39% match
  Clohass, The Leap
  Inadequate information has been provided with regards to the drainage capabilities of the site to enable the Planning Authority to adequately assess the impacts of the proposed soak pit drainage system forming part of the proposed development. The proposed development would th
• eplanning_GalwayCC_22590 — REFUSED · — · 5% match
  Mweelin & Pollacappul Eadarguil ,

the surface water discharge rate will be controlled via a hydrobrake or similar flow control device to match the pre-development runoff rate (qbar), thus ensuring no undue impacts (such as increased flood risk or pollution) occur to the receiving environment. regular inspection and maintenance of the silt trap and separator will be performed.

• Updated Hydrology & Hydrogeology (PKF-JBAI-XX-XX-RP-EN-0001-A3-C04-Hydrology_Hydrogeology_Ballymahon, received 01/04/2026) — concludes from CFRAM maps that the site is not in Flood Zones A or B and is therefore in Flood Zone C; identifies groundwater vulnerability from Moderate to Extreme; Section 5.2.2 gives generic surface-water runoff mitigation (silt traps, silt fences, minimal open excavation time) without quantified Qbar/runoff rates.
• Other Assessments (docid 379179) — earlier version of the same Hydrology & Hydrogeology report (PKF-JBAI-XX-XX-RP-EN-0001-A3-C02-Hydrology_Hydrogeology_Ballymahon, received 14/11/2025), containing the same flood zone screening and generic Section 5.2.2 mitigation text.
• Other Assessments (docid 379170) — CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS, 96 pages; p.38 states that compound surface water will be controlled via a hydrobrake or similar device 'to match the pre-development runoff rate (Qbar)' but the supplied excerpts do not show the Qbar value, post-development discharge rate, or device/attenuation sizing.
• Drainage Network Drawings (docid 379220) — typical silt fence details and drainage notes; note 5 states stilling ponds 'should be sized' for the 1 in 100-year storm event, but no site-specific pond locations, volumes, catchment areas or discharge-point coordinates are shown.

• the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities nov 09 p.71s28 guideline
  Glossary of Terms
  (Cited in full above.)
• EMRA Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 p.158regional
  Regional Spatial & Economic Strategies SEA, AA & RFRA ² — Flooding is a natural process that plays a role in shaping the natural environment. Floods are a regular occurrence and the Region has experienced a number of severe flooding events in recent years, particularly on flood plains and in coastal areas, where flood risks will increase due to more frequent extreme weather events and sea level rise linked to climate change. Flooding can occur from a range of sources, individually or combined, including: coastal flooding (from the sea or estuaries); fluvial flooding (from rivers or streams); pluvial flooding (from intense rainfall events and overland flow); groundwater flooding (typically from Turloughs), and other sources, such as from blocked culverts. The long-term land use planning of the Region must also consider the likelihood of higher flood risks both inland and in coastal locations due to climate change.
  (Cited in full above.)
• the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities technical appendices nov 09 p.19s28 guideline
  A
  (Cited in full above.)
• the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities nov 09 p.76s28 guideline
  What is the Justification Test?
  (Cited in full above.)

• eplanning_GalwayCC_22590 — REFUSED · Galway County Council · 36% match
  Mweelin & Pollacappul Eadarguil ,
  No details submitted. The applicant shall be requested to clarify surface water management measures proposed.
• eplanning_MeathCC_23657 — REFUSED · — · 6% match
  Smithstown , Julianstown , Co. Meath A92 Y196

for the site boundary, the existing fencing will be maintained around the site boundary, and where needed, the perimeter fencing will be replaced with wildlife-friendly fencing (rail and post and mesh where needed).

• Badger Survey Report / Conservation Report (no docid supplied) — records setts S1–S6, field signs, mammal trails and 30 m buffers; Section 4.1.3 states: 'Security fencing within the site (i.e. along site boundary) should incorporate suitable gaps to allow mammals (i.e. badger) to pass beneath, thereby avoiding any loss of connectivity.' But it gives no design detail, dimensions, locations or method.
• EIA Screening Report (docid 379174) — p.28, Section 2.2.7 Ancillary Infrastructure, commits only to 'wildlife-friendly fencing (rail and post and mesh where needed)' for the site boundary, with no badger gate or raised-bottom specification.
• CEMP (docid 379170) — p.26, Section 2.2.6 Other Infrastructure, repeats: 'new perimeter fencing will be installed using wildlife-friendly designs, such as post-and-rail or mesh fencing', again without dimensions or passage measures.
• DPR (docid 379158) — p.20, Section 2.2.6 Other Infrastructure, repeats the same generic wording as the CEMP.
• Fire Safety Statement (docid 379180) — p.8, Section 2.2.1, states the BESS compound 'will be enclosed by approximately 550 metres of security fencing' with no mention of mammal gaps or ground clearance.
• Further Information Response (no docid supplied) — p.13, states the Badger Conservation Plan includes 'retention of habitat connectivity (including mammal gaps in fencing)', but no specification or drawing accompanies that statement in the supplied excerpts.

• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.78s28 guideline
  71 — 6.11.2 Fencing
  See wind energy development guidelines 2006, 71, 6.11.2 Fencing, cited in full above.
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.129s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 6 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT- AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS IN THE SITING AND DESIGN — 6.12.2 Fencing
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), CHAPTER 6 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT- AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS IN THE SITING AND DESIGN, 6.12.2 Fencing, cited in full above.
• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.74technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66 — 10 Bibliography & Relevant Literature
  (Cited in full above.)

the plan also includes enhancement measures for the operational phase, such as the provision of native planting and retention of habitat connectivity (including mammal gaps in fencing), to support continued badger foraging and movement across the site.

• Conservation Report (Ballymahon Solar Farm and BESS Badger Survey Report and Outline Badger Conservation Plan, no docid supplied) – records six badger setts (S1–S6), multiple push-throughs TN1–TN8 and mammal trails along site boundaries; identifies Sett 5 as directly impacted by the proposed BESS compound; recommends that security fencing 'should incorporate suitable gaps to allow mammals (i.e. badger) to pass beneath', but does not specify design or locations.
• Other Assessments (docid 379170; CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS, page 52 of 96) – sets out badger construction precautions (machinery buffers, trench covers, pipe capping) and states Sett 5 is the exception where direct impacts are unavoidable, with a separate Badger Conservation Plan submitted; the supplied excerpt contains no operational fencing permeability design for mammals.
• Other Assessments (Further Information Response - Ballymahon Solar + BESS, page 13 of 42) – states the separate Badger Conservation Plan 'also includes enhancement measures for the operational phase, such as the provision of native planting and retention of habitat connectivity (including mammal gaps in fencing)', but gives no dimensions, heights, locations, frequency or maintenance requirements.

• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.78s28 guideline
  71 — 6.11.2 Fencing
  (Cited in full above.)
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.129s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 6 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT- AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS IN THE SITING AND DESIGN — 6.12.2 Fencing
  (Cited in full above.)
• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.74technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66 — 10 Bibliography & Relevant Literature
  (Cited in full above.)

8. post-construction monitoring: as recommended by best practice guidelines from birdlife europe (2011), etc. undertake post-construction monitoring to assess changes in the onsite bird population.

• Ecological Survey for Birds, 794-NI-PLE-03028XX, March 2026 — Section 5 Recommendations, item 8 says post-construction monitoring should be undertaken 'as recommended by best practice guidelines from Birdlife Europe (2011), etc.' but gives no survey design, seasonality, duration, spatial coverage or trigger thresholds; item 6 states the report discusses overwintering birds only, leaving breeding-bird operational monitoring unaddressed.
• ECR Ballymahon Solar Farm, Other Assessments (docid 379149, 193 pages) — Section 5.7.2 Operation Phase (pp.93–94) lists operational measures: regular visual inspections of silt traps and hydrocarbon interceptors, spill response, grassland management by sheep grazing or mowing, and bund inspections. It does not include operational bird, bat, noise or ecological monitoring, and the water-quality measures are visual rather than quantitative.
• CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS, Other Assessments (docid 379170, 96 pages) — Bat mitigation relies on further pre-construction surveys if layout changes; otter survey is recommended pre-construction; bird measures are timing of works and nesting checks. No post-construction monitoring of bats, otters or breeding birds is described.
• Incidental Bird Technical Note, Other Assessments (docid 379156) — records nine bird species during site visits and recommends grass/buffer management; no post-construction monitoring programme is set out.

• OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022) p.74technical guidance
  
  (Cited in full above.)

• eplanning_LimerickCC_25105 — refused · — · 5% match
  Wellesley Farm , Dromtrasna Hartnett , Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick.

response: we have consulted with the senior planner, kathryn hosey and with the senior engineer, con diffley. we welcome any appropriate conditions of a planning permission. consultation with con diffley resulted in agreement that the issue of setback can be assessed further and agreed during the application process, once site inspection has taken place. the junctions are at grade and we have addressed the level differences. pre works and post works can be address by condition.

• OTMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS (docid 379173, 66 pages, Plan Energy Developments for BNRG) — contains Section 9.2 visibility analysis stating unobstructed visibility (Y-distance 160m on the R397, 65m on the L5527) is achievable for the two entrances, Appendix C drawings, delivery route maps and swept-path analyses. It states the measures and access arrangements 'will be agreed with Longford County Council prior to the commencement of construction works.'
• CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS (docid 379170, 96 pages) — Section 4.4 says warning signage will be installed 160m and 65m from entrances, but states 'The final design, dimensions, and configuration of the site entrances will be subject to agreement between Longford County Council (LCC) and the appointed contractor prior to the commencement of any on-site construction works.'
• Applicant's response to Roads Design Comments (docid 379142) — records Roads Design comments 23.a–23.d on regional/local road setbacks, T-junction forward visibility, pre/post-works surveys, passing lay-bys, culvert/ditch assessments, and preference for off-road cable route; response defers several matters to conditions or future agreement.
• Community Engagement Statement (docid 379176) — utility consultation table records Uisce Éireann confirming 75mm water pipes in R397 and none in L5527; no TII Roads Design sign-off is included in the supplied excerpts.
• Conservation Report (no docid supplied) — notes proposed MV cable route connecting Site 1 to Site 3 will follow existing roads L5527 and R397, and that lands adjacent outside ownership were not included in surveys.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.139dev plan
  CHAPTER 5: TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS
  (Cited in full above.)
• spatial planning and national roads guidelines jan 2012 p.14s28 guideline
  2 — Section 22 of the Roads Act, 1993, enables the National Roads Authority to make recommendations to a planning authority regarding the content of that authority’s development plan or variation thereto and the planning authority is obliged to consider any recommendation made.
  See spatial planning and national roads guidelines jan 2012, 2, Section 22 of the Roads Act, 1993, enables the National Roads Authority to make recommendations to a planning authority regarding the content of that authority’s development plan or variation thereto and the planning authority is obliged to consider any recommendation made., cited in f
• Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2012) p.14s28 guideline
  2 — Section 22 of the Roads Act, 1993, enables the National Roads Authority to make recommendations to a planning authority regarding the content of that authority’s development plan or variation thereto and the planning authority is obliged to consider any recommendation made.
  (Cited in full above.)
• collaborative spatial framework p.7s28 guideline
  2.0 Spatial Strategies of the Island of Ireland — 2.3 Strengthen links between North and South, East and West, with Europe and the rest of the world. Under the proposals for planning reform, applications for regionally significant development will be determined by central government. The revised RDS considers that projects which are regionally significant will be those which:
  See collaborative spatial framework, 2.0 Spatial Strategies of the Island of Ireland, 2.3 Strengthen links between North and South, East and West, with Europe and the rest of the world. Under the proposals for planning reform, applications for regionally significant development will be determined by central government. The revised RDS considers t
• National Planning Framework — Ireland 2040 p.24national policy
  2.2 Overview of the NPF Strategy — Ireland’s Three Regions
  See National Planning Framework — Ireland 2040, 2.2 Overview of the NPF Strategy, Ireland’s Three Regions, cited in full above.

at the detailed design stage, a comprehensive surface water drainage strategy will be prepared in accordance with the existing natural drainage regime at the site.

• Other Assessments (docid 379170, 96 pages) — CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS; Section 2.2.3 describes 1.8 km of 33 kV underground interconnector cabling along public roads, Section 2.2.4 describes 3.8 km internal access tracks and upgraded entrances, Section 2.2.5 defers the comprehensive surface water drainage strategy to detailed design, and Section 6.5 gives only generic culvert-retention/diversion method statements with no route-specific crossing schedule.
• Other Assessments (docid 379158, 31 pages) — DPR Ballymahon Solar + BESS; repeats the same drainage deferral at Section 2.2.5 and confirms final layout and track design will be confirmed at detailed project stage.
• NIS (docid 379227) — Ballymahon Solar Farm Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement; Section 1.3.5 identifies MV cable along L5527/R397 (c.1.5 km) and grid connection along R397/R392 (c.2.3 km), but only says the cabling 'will be subject to the road opening license procedures to be agreed with Longford County Council'; no watercourse crossing or Section 50 analysis is visible in the supplied excerpt.
• Drawings General — Cable Trench Through Public Road/Grassland/Track cross-sections show duct layouts and road/track make-up but no culvert or watercourse crossing details.
• Site layout plan (docid 379225) — shows 'Pake Bridge', 'Sluice', 'Weir', 'Sump' and multiple drain/stream labels around the R397/L5527 corridor, but the supplied excerpt has no accompanying crossing schedule or culvert capacity assessment.
• Conservation Report — Ballymahon Solar Farm and BESS Otter Survey Report; records waterbodies W3, W5, W8, W13, W15 and W16, notes dense vegetation limited visibility at these waterbodies, and recommends pre-construction checks/resurvey because of residual uncertainty.

• eplanning_MeathCC_23657 — REFUSED · Meath County Council · 26% match
  Smithstown , Julianstown , Co. Meath A92 Y196
  Having regard to Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 in which it is a policy to consider the DOEHLG / OPW publication ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management, Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ and with reference to OPW CFRAMS mapping and Meath County Council's MapIn
• eplanning_WicklowCC_23211 — REFUSED · Wicklow County Council · 20% match
  Lake Road , Camaderry , Glendalough
  Having regard to the location of the building and effluent management and treatment system within on existing floodplain which is, identified as having a High probability of flooding as set out in section 3.6 of "The Planning System and Flood Risk Management, Guidelines for Local

data requested by npws was not returned. nbdc returned records of 52 bird species within 2 km of the site.

• Other Assessments (docid 379156) (page 10): “data requested by npws was not returned. nbdc returned records of 52 bird species within 2 km of the site.”

• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.115s28 guideline
  109
  See wind energy development guidelines 2006, 109, cited in full above.
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.63s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 5 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT — 5.3.3 Species
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), CHAPTER 5 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, 5.3.3 Species, cited in full above.
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.16s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION AND POLICY CONTEXT — 1.2.2 Safeguarding our Landscape, Natural Heritage and Built Environment
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION AND POLICY CONTEXT, 1.2.2 Safeguarding our Landscape, Natural Heritage and Built Environment, cited in full above.
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.215s28 guideline
  GLOSSARY
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), GLOSSARY, cited in full above.
• Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030 (NPWS, 2024) p.24national policy
  Funding for Biodiversity Conservation
  UCD, with support from NPWS and the IRC are tracking biodiversity related expenditure for Ireland. This is the first step in understanding and developing a sustainable funding mechanism for biodiversity conservation. Further to this, NPWS will develop a financial plan to address biodiversity finance challenges in a comprehensive manner and build a

The proposed substation and associated loop-in connection will be the subject of a separate Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) planning application to An Bord Pleanála. As such, the details outlined in this section are indicative only and will be confirmed at a later stage as part of the separate planning process.

• Other Assessments (docid 379170) (CEMP, page 77): “The proposed substation and associated loop-in connection will be the subject of a separate Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) planning application to An Bord Pleanála. As such, the details outlined in this section are indicative only and will be confirmed at a later stage as part of the separate planning process.”
• Other Assessments (docid 379155) (Bat PRA, page 9): “The substation is not included in the current application.”
• Other Assessments (docid 379149) (ECR, page 24): “A 110kV onsite substation will also be provided, however it is not part pf this planning application and will be subject to a separate SID Application to An Coimisiun Pleanala.”
• NIS (docid 379227) (page 14): “While the proposed substation and grid connection will be the subject of a future Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) application to An Coimisiún Pleanála, they are assessed within this report as part of an integrated “one project” approach.”
• Other Assessments (docid 379163) (Planning Statement, page 34): “providing clarity for Strategic Infrastructure Developments such as Ballymahon.”

a cemp will be produced setting out the proposed mitigation for the proposed development. the cemp

• NIS (docid 379227) (page 39): “a cemp will be produced setting out the proposed mitigation for the proposed development. the cemp”

• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.39s28 guideline
  Section 3 - The AA Process 39
  See Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010), Section 3 - The AA Process 39, cited in full above.
• National Energy Security Framework 2022 p.45national policy
  and Businesses — Response 7: Supporting existing customers to access a competitive rate for their energy
  • Led by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities • Due for implementation: Q3 2022 There are consumers who are considered vulnerable (for instance, those who rely on electrical medical equipment in their homes) and may have limited opportunity to reduce their demand. A specific scheme to support the provision of solar photovoltaic (PV) panel
• EPA Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (2022) p.66s28 guideline
  Consultation — 3.8.1  MITIGATION (& OFFSETTING)
  See EPA Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (2022), Consultation, 3.8.1  MITIGATION (& OFFSETTING), cited in full above.
• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.4s28 guideline
  Guidance for Planning Authorities — REVISION NOTES
  submission to the competent authority, i.e. the consent authority. Having satisfied itself 1 Plans or projects that are directly connected with or necessary to the nature conservation management of a Natura 2000 site are essentially exempt from further consideration. Such exceptions will be comparatively rare and it is recommended that the reason
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.88s28 guideline
  81 — 7.6 Environmental Impact: Mitigation/Compensatory Measures
  See wind energy development guidelines 2006, 81, 7.6 Environmental Impact: Mitigation/Compensatory Measures, cited in full above.

• eplanning_LimerickCC_25105 — refused · — · 4% match
  Wellesley Farm , Dromtrasna Hartnett , Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick.
• eplanning_KildareCC_2560083 — refused · — · 4% match
  Townlands of Portgloriam Clonsast Ballybrack Ballyloughlan Farrandum , Clonduff

the areas of active raised bog are approximately xx km away from the site however

• NIS (docid 379227) (page 29): “the areas of active raised bog are approximately xx km away from the site however”

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.336dev plan
  CHAPTER 12: NATURAL HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT
  (Cited in full above.)
• Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030 (NPWS, 2024) p.65national policy
  6
  Objective Action Timeframe Lead/key partners Performance indicators 6.1.1. Complete designation process for Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), in particular, for marine coastal and offshore SPAs 2017-2020 DCHG 1. Percentage of sites designated by Statutory Instrument 6.1.2. Develop and utilise licensing an
• guidance for planning authorities on drainage and reclamation of wetlands consultation draft p.37s28 guideline
  Appendix 2
  See guidance for planning authorities on drainage and reclamation of wetlands consultation draft, Appendix 2, cited in full above.
• OPR Practice Note PN01 — Appropriate Assessment Screening for Development Management (2021) p.38technical guidance
  Sample Case Study 3. — STEP 2. Identification of relevant Natura 2000 sites using Source-Pathway- Receptor model and compilation of information Qualifying Interests and conservation objectives.
  See OPR Practice Note PN01 — Appropriate Assessment Screening for Development Management (2021), Sample Case Study 3., STEP 2. Identification of relevant Natura 2000 sites using Source-Pathway- Receptor model and compilation of information Qualifying Interests and conservation objectives., cited in full above.
• OPR Practice Note PN01 — Appropriate Assessment Screening for Development Management (2021) p.39technical guidance
  Sample Case Study 3. — STEP 3. Assessment of Likely Significant Effects
  (a) Identify all potential impacts that may result in significant effects on the conservation objectives of a European site, taking into account the size and scale of the project under the following headings: Impacts: Significance of Impacts: (duration/magnitude/etc) Construction phase e.g. l Vegetation clearance l Demolition l Surface wate

i have consulted with npws and their opinion is that there is not enough time to comment at this time.

• Other Assessments (docid 379142) (page 9): “i have consulted with npws and their opinion is that there is not enough time to comment at this time.”

• sustainable rural housing development guidelines p.50s28 guideline
  Appendix 2: Supplementary Information on Heritage
  Referral of Planning Applications The Planning Regulations require that planning applications that may affect the natural or built heritage be referred to certain prescribed bodies including the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Planning authorities must ensure that all planning applications for rural housing that invol
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.115s28 guideline
  Planning Guidelines
  (Cited in full above.)
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.52s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 4 SUBMITTING A PLANNING APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT — Section 177V (3) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) requires the refusal of permission unless the competent authority has determined that the proposed development would not adversely affect the integrity of a European site. If it can be concluded on the basis of AA that there will be no adverse effects on the integrity of a Natura 2000 site, the plan or project can proceed to authorisation, where the normal planning or other requirements will apply in reaching a decision to approve or refuse. If adverse effects are likely, or in cases of doubt, the derogation steps of Article 6(4) can be applied, but only in a case in which there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI) requiring a project to proceed, there are no less damaging alternative solutions, and compensatory measures have been identified that can be put in place.
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), CHAPTER 4 SUBMITTING A PLANNING APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, Section 177V (3) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) requires the refusal of permission unless the competent authority has determined that the proposed development would not adversely affect the int
• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland — Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2009, rev. 2010) p.72s28 guideline
  Section 6 - References and Further Reading 72 — 6. References and Further Reading
  Relevant Departmental Circulars (available from www.npws.ie) Circular Letter PD 2/07 and NPWS 1/07: Compliance Conditions in respect of Developments requiring (1) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); or (2) having potential impacts on Natura 2000 sites Circular Letter NPWS 2/07: Guidance on Compliance with Regulation 23 of the Habitats Regul
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.39s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 4 SUBMITTING A PLANNING APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT — 4.2 PLANNING AUTHORITY PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATION3
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), CHAPTER 4 SUBMITTING A PLANNING APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, 4.2 PLANNING AUTHORITY PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATION3, cited in full above.

• eplanning_KildareCC_2560083 — refused · — · 6% match
  Townlands of Portgloriam Clonsast Ballybrack Ballyloughlan Farrandum , Clonduff
• eplanning_LimerickCC_25105 — refused · — · 4% match
  Wellesley Farm , Dromtrasna Hartnett , Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick.

no invasive non-native plant species (inns) were recorded on site. while it remains possible that additional evidence of inns species may emerge later in the season, no evidence of common invasives were noted during the survey.

• Ballymahon Solar Farm and BESS Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (supplied as Conservation Report, no docid, pages 2, 8–9 visible) — identifies hedgerows, treelines, wet grassland, drainage ditches and lowland river; in the Invasive Species section it records 'No invasive non-native plant species (INNS) were recorded on site' but says later emergence is possible. This is a snapshot, not a management plan.
• Other Assessments (docid 379156, Tetra Tech Limited on figures) — includes ecological buffer strips and grassland management: removing mown grass, scarification, and monitoring NPK levels with grassland species diversity; no invasive-species treatment, biosecurity or re-treatment section appears in the supplied excerpts.
• Other Assessments (docid 379142) — Further Information Response records Environment Officer comments requiring 'Replacement of removal of 186 metres of hedgerows to be considered in biodiversity management plan for the site'; the applicant responds with general consultation and Ecological Clerk of Works commitments rather than a specific BMP.
• Other Assessments (docid 379174, EIA Screening Report) — Section 5.3 Biodiversity states no significant impacts are anticipated and that ongoing surveys will inform further assessments; it does not commit to invasive-species control or operational monitoring.
• Landscape Mitigation & Biodiversity Plans (in Other Assessments docid 379233 and Visual Assessment Report) — provide planting schedules, hedgerow mixes, wildflower/seed mixes, bird/bat boxes and insect hotels; they do not contain an invasive species management method statement, construction biosecurity protocol or operational monitoring/re-treatment.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.350dev plan
  CHAPTER 12: NATURAL HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT
  (Cited in full above.)
• lap draft guidelines june 2012 p.40s28 guideline
  5 — 5.4 Integrating Environmental Considerations in Local Area Planning The development trends of recent years have raised questions about sustainability in environmental as well as economic and social terms. Local area plans can play a key role in turning around future patterns towards less energy intensive, more prudent and ecologically sensitive ways to meet the development needs of Irish society and its economy. Local area plans should therefore be based fundamentally doing no harm to the stock of environmental qualities that might be affected by the development of that area and in addition, maximising the opportunities for improving environmental qualities.
  (Cited in full above.)
• local area plans guidelines for planning authorities june 2013 p.43s28 guideline
  5 — 5.4 Integrating Environmental Considerations in Local Area Planning The development trends of recent years have raised questions about sustainability in environmental as well as economic and social terms. Local area plans can play a key role in turning around future patterns towards less energy intensive, more prudent and ecologically sensitive ways to meet the development needs of Irish society and its economy. Local area plans should therefore be based fundamentally doing no harm to
  (Cited in full above.)
• Ireland's National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030 (final updated 2024) p.77national policy
  2. National Objectives and Targets — LULUCF
  (Cited in full above.)
• Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030 (NPWS, 2024) p.25national policy
  Collective Action for Biodiversity
  (Cited in full above.)

• eplanning_LimerickCC_25105 — refused · — · 2% match
  Wellesley Farm , Dromtrasna Hartnett , Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick.

the noise assessment follows established methodologies and criteria, including the abc method: ambient noise levels at nearby residential properties are rounded to the nearest 5 db to determine threshold values for three time periods - daytime, evening/weekend, and night-time.

• Other Assessments (docid 379174) (page 50): “the noise assessment follows established methodologies and criteria, including the abc method: ambient noise levels at nearby residential properties are rounded to the nearest 5 db to determine threshold values for three time periods - daytime, evening/weekend, and night-time.”

• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.205s28 guideline
  3 CONSTRUCTION AND DECOMISSIONING NOISE CONTROL — 3.1 CONSTRUCTION AND DECOMMISSIONING NOISE CRITERIA
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), 3 CONSTRUCTION AND DECOMISSIONING NOISE CONTROL, 3.1 CONSTRUCTION AND DECOMMISSIONING NOISE CRITERIA, cited in full above.
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.217s28 guideline
  GLOSSARY
  (Cited in full above.)
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.220s28 guideline
  REFERENCES
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), REFERENCES, cited in full above.
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.115s28 guideline
  109
  (Cited in full above.)

• eplanning_KildareCC_2560083 — refused · — · 5% match
  Townlands of Portgloriam Clonsast Ballybrack Ballyloughlan Farrandum , Clonduff
• eplanning_LimerickCC_25105 — refused · — · 3% match
  Wellesley Farm , Dromtrasna Hartnett , Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick.

Existing Stream incl. 10m Buffer

• Site layout plan (docid 379160) (page 1): “existing stream incl. 10m buffer 33kv cable route inverter / transformer refer to drawing 7426-j”

• the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities technical appendices nov 09 p.32s28 guideline
  B
  See the planning system and flood risk management guidelines for planning authorities technical appendices nov 09, B, cited in full above.
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.57s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 4 SUBMITTING A PLANNING APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT — 4.11 CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), CHAPTER 4 SUBMITTING A PLANNING APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, 4.11 CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN, cited in full above.
• OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022) p.97technical guidance
  
  (Cited in full above.)
• OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022) p.97technical guidance
  10. Solar Farm: — Where an application for solar farm developments seeks a permission of a duration longer than five years, please refer to sheet A for sample conditions.
  See OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022), 10. Solar Farm:, Where an application for solar farm developments seeks a permission of a duration longer than five years, please refer to sheet A for sample conditions., cited in full above.

enhancement measures opportunities for ecological enhancement are listed below, which would represent a positive impact on local biodiversity and breeding birds (optional). • artificial nest boxes: installing a diverse range of nesting boxes across the site would increase the availability of suitable nesting habitats for a wide variety of bird species.

• Conservation Report (784-B071661 GP-TEM-006-02, by Tetra Tech, pp.11-12) — In 'Enhancement Measures' it lists artificial nest boxes and native planting as opportunities that 'would represent a positive impact on local biodiversity and breeding birds (optional)' and gives general siting advice, but does not commit to installing any specific number/type/location or to agreeing them with the planning authority ecologist.
• Visual Assessment Report – Landscape Mitigation & Biodiversity Plan, overall site layout (drawing no. 25188-2-100) — The legend identifies 'Bird Box (11no.) @ Insect Boxes (11no.) (indicative locations)' and 'Bat Boxes (11no.) (indicative locations)'; revision history includes '28/07/25 Ecology housing added', confirming the ecology housing was added to the drawing but not fixed.
• Other Assessments (docid 379164) — A duplicated site layout/landscape mitigation plan legend similarly lists bird boxes, bat boxes and insect boxes as '(indicative locations)' and contains only general notes about products and planting approvals, with no mechanism for ecological sign-off.
• Other Assessments (docid 379156) — Bird Species Technical Note / ecological note (p.5) recommends 'appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures should be implemented', but does not show that these recommendations are secured by a Biodiversity Management Plan or enforceable condition.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.169dev plan
  CHAPTER 5: TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS
  (Cited in full above.)
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.115s28 guideline
  109
  (Cited in full above.)
• OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022) p.97technical guidance
  
  (Cited in full above.)
• NPWS Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (IWM) p.73technical guidance
  Appendix 1 Recommended Bat Survey and Mitigation Report Structure ............................................. 66 — 10 Bibliography & Relevant Literature
  (Cited in full above.)

• eplanning_KildareCC_2560083 — refused · Kildare County Council · 25% match
  Townlands of Portgloriam Clonsast Ballybrack Ballyloughlan Farrandum , Clonduff
  Having regard to the significant dearth of information within the Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement in relation to surveys, habitats and species and the impact of the proposed development on the Rye Water Valley/Carton SAC, Ballynafagh Lake SAC and B

the purpose of this decommissioning plan report is to provide a clear and practical framework to: • ensure full compliance with all relevant environmental, health and safety, and waste management legislation, along with applicable codes of best practice and guidance documents. • outline a structured plan for the implementation of decommissioning and reinstatement measures detailed in the project documentation and planning submissions. • identify potential environmental risks associated with the decommissioning phase and set out appropriate mitigation strategies to minimise any potential adverse impacts.

• Other Assessments (docid 379142) — Further Information response item 19: acknowledges that the submission lacked details on decommissioning and states a Decommissioning Report has now been submitted outlining procedures, removal, materials management and reinstatement; it does not mention a bond amount, indexation or cost.
• Other Assessments (docid 379158) — Decommissioning Plan Report (DPR) Ballymahon Solar + BESS, 31 pages, by PlanEnergy; describes the report's purpose as a framework for compliance, structured plan, and risk mitigation; no financial security quantum is stated in the excerpt.
• Other Assessments (docid 379201) — describes decommissioning methods (cable removal, foundation break-up, rewilding, tracks retained) and duration of 6–12 months; no decommissioning bond, indexed security, or cost estimate.
• F I Received Doc (docid 386940) — revised project description confirming approx. 700,000 sqm PV arrays, 17 MV stations, 56 BESS modules, 1.8 km underground cabling, 3,900 m internal tracks; relevant to quantifying decommissioning footprint but contains no financial security.
• Site Notice — confirms total area circa 111.1 ha, 94.18 ha solar farm, up to 80 MW export, 700,000 sqm panels, 56 BESS; no mention of decommissioning bond or cost.

• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.93s28 guideline
  Planning Guidelines — 7.19 Decommissioning and Reinstatement
  See wind energy development guidelines 2006, Planning Guidelines, 7.19 Decommissioning and Reinstatement, cited in full above.
• OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022) p.103technical guidance
  
  Note: you must impose a condition as suggested in 13.1 if you intend to use 13.2 as 13.1 sets out the requirement for the site restoraration plan. Decommissioning and Restoration

subject to participation in the ress scheme, the applicant will contribute approximately €2.7 million over 15 years to the local community through a community benefit fund.

• Other Assessments (docid 379176) — Community Engagement Statement, extract, by PlanEnergy/BNRG Ballymahon Ltd. It describes pre-application consultation (flyers to 350 properties, public event, website, newspaper) but does not quantify or secure a community benefit fund.
• Other Assessments (docid 379149) — Environment report extract, p.18 of 193. It states: "Subject to participation in the RESS scheme, the Applicant will contribute approximately €2.7 million over 15 years to the local community through a community benefit fund." It also records the public consultation meeting on 16 July 2025.
• Other Assessments (docid 379201) — Greenhouse Gas Assessment. It mentions a community benefit fund and local employment in general terms but no figures, governance, or enforceable mechanism.
• Other Assessments (docid 379163) — Planning Statement. It refers to a community fund and local authority contributions but provides no quantified, binding commitment.
• Site Notice — It makes no reference to any community benefit fund or condition securing one.

• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.94s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 5 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT — 5.10.2 Community Benefit/Dividend
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), CHAPTER 5 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, 5.10.2 Community Benefit/Dividend, cited in full above.
• Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP24) p.165national policy
  Chapter 5 of CAP23 estimated that an additional ~€119 billion of capital investment would — 12.4 Citizen Engagement
  See Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP24), Chapter 5 of CAP23 estimated that an additional ~€119 billion of capital investment would, 12.4 Citizen Engagement, cited in full above.
• Ireland's National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030 (final updated 2024) p.172national policy
  3 Policies and Measures — 3.1.2 Renewable Energy
  See Ireland's National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030 (final updated 2024), 3 Policies and Measures, 3.1.2 Renewable Energy, cited in full above.
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.93s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 5 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT — 5.10.1 Community Investment and Ownership
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), CHAPTER 5 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, 5.10.1 Community Investment and Ownership, cited in full above.
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.92s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 5 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT — 5.10 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT AND DIVIDEND
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), CHAPTER 5 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, 5.10 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT AND DIVIDEND, cited in full above.

after the installation of the solar panels, chisel ploughing will be carried out by the contractor between solar panel rows to loosen the soil that will be compacted during construction. chisel ploughing will reduce soil compaction on the site and promote seed growth; this will increase infiltration rates, reducing runoff rates from the site.

• Updated Hydrology & Hydrogeology (docid not shown in excerpt; PKF-JBAI-XX-XX-RP-EN-0001-A3-C04-Hydrology_Hydrogeology_Ballymahon, received 01/04/2026) — page 18 states that chisel ploughing will be carried out 'between solar panel rows' after installation, and that topsoil stockpiles will be covered/dampened and kept a suitable distance from drainage ditches, but gives no stripping depth or pile/cable decompaction detail.
• Other Assessments (docid 379179) — contains the same Hydrology & Hydrogeology text at page 18 (C02 version), repeating the limited chisel ploughing commitment and general stockpile management.
• Other Assessments (docid 379170) — CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS, pages 70-75, Section 6.4 Excavation and Earthworks and Section 6.5 Underground Cable Construction Methodologies. It gives cable trench depth (1,250 mm) and width (450 mm), bedding/backfill compaction, and says temporary soil storage will be managed, but does not specify topsoil stripping depth or decompaction beneath pile foundations or cable trenches.
• Other Assessments (docid 379149) — ECR Ballymahon Solar Farm, pages 103 and 185. It says soils stripped will be stored separately in designated stockpiles away from drains/ditches, protected by dampening and silt traps, but again gives no stripping depth, stockpile dimensions, or pile-location decompaction.
• Other Assessments (docid 379158) — DPR Ballymahon Solar + BESS, pages 26-27, Section 3.2.3 Decommissioning and Section 3.3 Site Rehabilitation. It commits to removing piles/concrete footings to 1 m and redistributing topsoil, but its decompaction measure is limited to access road footprints, not discrete pile or cable-trench locations.
• Other Assessments (docid 379215) — notes underground cabling by channel trenching with mole ploughing where appropriate, but does not provide any soil-loosening/decompaction specification for those cable lines.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.364dev plan
  CHAPTER 12: NATURAL HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT
  (Cited in full above.)
• guidelines for planning authorities and an bord plean la on carrying out environmental impact assessment august 2018 p.58s28 guideline
  Appendix I - Codified Directive — policy on the environment is based on the precautionary principle and on the principles
  See guidelines for planning authorities and an bord plean la on carrying out environmental impact assessment august 2018, Appendix I - Codified Directive, policy on the environment is based on the precautionary principle and on the principles, cited in full above.
• EPA Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (2022) p.37s28 guideline
  Consultation — ISSUES
  See EPA Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (2022), Consultation, ISSUES, cited in full above.
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.83s28 guideline
  Planning Guidelines
  (Cited in full above.)
• Programme for Government: Our Shared Future (2020) p.67national policy
  Mission: Balanced Regional Development — Our Shared Future
  See Programme for Government: Our Shared Future (2020), Mission: Balanced Regional Development, Our Shared Future, cited in full above.

temporary storage of soil will be carefully managed in such a way as to prevent any potential negative impact on the receiving environment. the material will be stored away from any open excavations. movement of material will be minimised in order to reduce degradation of soil structure and generation of dust.

• Other Assessments (docid 379170) — Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS), pages 69–72 and 60. Section 6.4 Excavation and Earthworks commits to careful soil management but only in general narrative terms; it does not set a topsoil stripping depth, stockpile volume/location, or measurable post-restoration acceptance criteria.
• Other Assessments (docid 379158) — Decommissioning and Restoration Plan (DPR Ballymahon Solar + BESS), pages 23–30. Section 3.2.3.1 commits to removing foundation piles/concrete to at least 1 m below original grade and to 'Any removed soil will be restored and graded'; Section 3.3 commits to a 'comprehensive Site Rehabilitation Plan' but does not set measurable soil reinstatement targets.
• Updated Hydrology & Hydrogeology — page 18, Section 5.2.2/5.2.3. This commits to chisel ploughing between panel rows to loosen soil compacted during construction and to covering/dampening stockpiles, but does not quantify target bulk density, topsoil depth or pile-foundation decompaction.
• Other Assessments (docid 379149) — ECR Ballymahon Solar Farm, pages 94–95, 103 and 192–193. It refers to restoration/revegetation and to soil protection measures but only qualitatively; the conclusion on p.193 states no significant impacts without demonstrating measurable soil reinstatement standards.
• Drainage Network Drawings (docid 379220) — shows standard silt fence details at stockpile areas, but no topsoil stripping depth, stockpile volume/location, or post-restoration acceptance criteria.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.364dev plan
  CHAPTER 12: NATURAL HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT
  (Cited in full above.)
• guidelines for planning authorities and an bord plean la on carrying out environmental impact assessment august 2018 p.58s28 guideline
  Appendix I - Codified Directive — policy on the environment is based on the precautionary principle and on the principles
  (Cited in full above.)
• EPA Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (2022) p.37s28 guideline
  Consultation — ISSUES
  (Cited in full above.)
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.83s28 guideline
  Planning Guidelines
  (Cited in full above.)
• Programme for Government: Our Shared Future (2020) p.67national policy
  Mission: Balanced Regional Development — Our Shared Future
  (Cited in full above.)

it is expected that grassland habitats will remain beneath the solar arrays although management (i.e cattle grazing) will be adapted.

• Other Assessments (docid 379156) (page 1): “it is expected that grassland habitats will remain beneath the solar arrays although management (i.e cattle grazing) will be adapted.”

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.337dev plan
  CHAPTER 12: NATURAL HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT — 12.5.2 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) These sites are selected for the conservation and protection of birds and their habitats designated under the EU Birds Directive 2009 (2009/147/EC) (first adopted in 1979) and transposed into Irish law by the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations (SI 291 of 1985). The National Parks and Wildlife Service within the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht identify, evaluate and propose sites for designation. The boundaries of protected areas may change and/or new sites may be proposed for designation during the lifetime of this Plan.
  (Cited in full above.)
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.115s28 guideline
  109
  (Cited in full above.)
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.117s28 guideline
  111
  See wind energy development guidelines 2006, 111, cited in full above.
• OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022) p.97technical guidance
  
  (Cited in full above.)
• OPR Practice Note PN01 — Appropriate Assessment Screening for Development Management (2021) p.45technical guidance
  Appendix D — Special Protection Areas (SPA)
  See OPR Practice Note PN01 — Appropriate Assessment Screening for Development Management (2021), Appendix D, Special Protection Areas (SPA), cited in full above.

• eplanning_LimerickCC_25105 — refused · — · 3% match
  Wellesley Farm , Dromtrasna Hartnett , Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick.

bnrg ballymahon ltd, are applying for a 10 year planning permission with an operational lifespan of 40 years, for development of a solar farm and battery energy storage system in the townlands of cartronbrack, tirlickeen, clogh, corryena, and lismacmurrogh, county longford.

• Other Assessments (docid 379142) (page 1): “bnrg ballymahon ltd, are applying for a 10 year planning permission with an operational lifespan of 40 years, for development of a solar farm and battery energy storage system in the townlands of cartronbrack, tirlickeen, clogh, corryena, and lismacmurrogh, county longford.”

• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.93s28 guideline
  Planning Guidelines — 7.20 Time Limits
  Having regard to the statutory provisions regarding the life of a planning permission, conditions should not require that a development be commenced or finished by a certain date. Conditions that limit the life of a wind energy development to a particular time period have been included in the past in order to enable the planning authority to reass
• quarries and ancillary activities p.30s28 guideline
  Chapter 4: Assessment of planning applications and Environmental Impact Statements 4.1 Introduction This chapter is intended to assist planning authorities when dealing with applications for quarries, and particularly those applications involving Environmental Impact Statements. 4.2 Pre-application consultations Section 247 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 makes provision for pre- application consultations with the planning authority and planning authorities should facilitate such consultations. The developer of a proposed quarry should consider at the outset whether the development would be in accordance with the development plan for the area (see Chapter 2, paragraph 3 above). Owners and operators will be aware of the public concern which certain extractive industry developments can give rise to and should therefore take the earliest opportunity to explain their proposals to the planning authority and to ensure that all relevant planning and environmental issues are fully addressed in any subsequent planning application. They should also discuss significant operational issues, such as working hours and likely traffic volumes, at the pre-application stage. Rehabilitation of the site after the end of extraction should also be considered at the design stage. If an Environmental Impact Statement is required to be submitted (see Chapter 4, paragraph 4 below), Section 173 enables a prospective applicant, when preparing an EIS, to request the planning authority to provide a written opinion (“scoping”) on the information to be contained in the EIS. Article 95 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 sets out the procedure for scoping requests. Best practice in EIS preparation includes consultation with all relevant parties, such as statutory consultees and the local community, to ensure that their concerns are identified and addressed in the EIS. The EPA has published advice on the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (see Appendix B), which is of benefit to both applicants and planning authorities. 4.3 Submitting a planning application If an EIS is not required, the developer should consider whether the following items are relevant to the proposed development and, if so, should ensure that they are adequately documented as part of the planning application. Failure to do so is likely to lead for a request from the planning authority for further information and thus to delay consideration of the application. (Applications for quarries must of course comply with all of the standard planning application requirements in relation to public notices, drawings, etc.). — 4.5 Requirements of section 261 In addition to the above requirements, section 261 of the Act stipulates that a planning application and an EIS will be required for the continued operation of a quarry which has been registered in accordance with this section where:
  (Cited in full above.)
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.146s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 7 PLANNING CONDITIONS — 7.22 TIME LIMITS
  See wind energy development guidelines 2006, Planning Guidelines, 7.20 Time Limits, cited in full above.
• OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022) p.97technical guidance
  10. Solar Farm: — Where an application for solar farm developments seeks a permission of a duration longer than five years, please refer to sheet A for sample conditions.
  (Cited in full above.)
• OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022) p.14technical guidance
  3.0 Common Issues — 3.3 Time Limits
  33 Granted by a planning authority under Section 34 of the 2000 Act or An Bord Pleanála under Section 37 of the 2000 Act. 34 Section 40(3) of the 2000 Act. 35 Section 41(1) of the 2000 Act. 36 See summary of Eircell v Bernstoff in Appendix D. The ‘appropriate period’ for a planning permission,33 is normally five years from the date of the g

the final construction vehicle routes will be confirmed and agreed with longford county council prior to the commencement of works.

• Other Assessments (docid 379170) (page 49): “the final construction vehicle routes will be confirmed and agreed with longford county council prior to the commencement of works.”

• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.56s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 4 SUBMITTING A PLANNING APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT — 4.11 CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
  (Cited in full above.)
• quarries and ancillary activities p.16s28 guideline
  Chapter 3: Environmental implications 3.1 Overview of environmental issues associated with quarries There is a wide range of potential environmental effects caused by quarries which planning authorities need to consider when dealing with proposals for new development, or for significant expansion of existing extractive industries. Such impacts may arise during the development stage (e.g. earth stripping operations) or may endure throughout the life of the quarry, possibly over several decades. The impact can be permanent, even after closure and decommissioning, unless carefully planned rehabilitation is undertaken. Ancillary developments, such as concrete manufacturing, also may have significant impacts which need to be addressed at the outset, so that the cumulative effects from the site might be assessed. It is recommended that planning authorities should familiarise themselves with evolving best environmental management practice as set out in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines “Environmental Management in the Extractive Industry: Non-Scheduled Minerals”(see Appendix B for details). The Irish Concrete Federation (ICF) has drawn up an Environmental Code for the aggregate and concrete product industries, to promote member awareness of, and commitment to, good environmental principles (see Appendix B). The principal environmental impacts which tend to occur, and relevant possible mitigation measures, are set out below. (See Appendix A for a glossary of technical terms used in this and following chapters). 3.2 Noise and vibration Extractive industries are associated with many noise-generating activities – removal of topsoil and overburden, excavation with machinery, drilling and blasting of rock, crushing and screening of aggregates, transport of raw materials and finished products within the site and on public roads, etc. Blasting (which occurs at quarries, but not in sand and gravel pits) can give rise to vibration, audible noise, flyrock and dust. The levels of vibration caused by blasting are well below those which can cause structural damage to properties. Nonetheless, vibration transmitted through the ground and pressure waves through the air (“air overpressure”) can shake buildings and people and may cause nuisance. Audible noise accompanies overpressure. Noise can cause annoyance, nuisance, sleep disturbance and can also affect wildlife. Residential properties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, churches, etc. are also noise-sensitive receptors. Best practice/possible mitigation measures: The nearer a site to noise-sensitive properties or areas, the more stringent should be the controls on noise emissions. There are several methods of noise control:
  (Cited in full above.)
• Climate Action Plan 2024 — Annex of Actions p.19national policy
  JM │Just Transition Implementation Plan for the Midlands Region — DECC, EMRA, DTCAGSM
  19 Climate Action Plan 2024 Annex of Actions JM/24/7 Support decarbonisation of public local bus routes Identification of new electric charging infrastructure in key location(s) in the Territory for the provision of new electric buses Assessment of potential routes, buses and charging locations to determine the optimal arrangement for decarboni
• TII/DMRB: Assessment of Road Bridges & Structures for Abnormal Load Vehicles (AM-STR-06048) p.36technical guidance
  ANNEX B BASIS OF SV AND SOV LOAD MODELS FOR ASSESSMENT
  See TII/DMRB: Assessment of Road Bridges & Structures for Abnormal Load Vehicles (AM-STR-06048), ANNEX B BASIS OF SV AND SOV LOAD MODELS FOR ASSESSMENT, cited in full above.
• OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022) p.34technical guidance
  In the interest of proper planning and sustainable development. 
  See OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022), In the interest of proper planning and sustainable development. , cited in full above.

the number of vehicles per day is not yet known; however, an estimation for the number of deliveries is

• Other Assessments (docid 379149) (page 1): “the number of vehicles per day is not yet known; however, an estimation for the number of deliveries is”

• quarries and ancillary activities p.16s28 guideline
  Chapter 3: Environmental implications 3.1 Overview of environmental issues associated with quarries There is a wide range of potential environmental effects caused by quarries which planning authorities need to consider when dealing with proposals for new development, or for significant expansion of existing extractive industries. Such impacts may arise during the development stage (e.g. earth stripping operations) or may endure throughout the life of the quarry, possibly over several decades. The impact can be permanent, even after closure and decommissioning, unless carefully planned rehabilitation is undertaken. Ancillary developments, such as concrete manufacturing, also may have significant impacts which need to be addressed at the outset, so that the cumulative effects from the site might be assessed. It is recommended that planning authorities should familiarise themselves with evolving best environmental management practice as set out in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines “Environmental Management in the Extractive Industry: Non-Scheduled Minerals”(see Appendix B for details). The Irish Concrete Federation (ICF) has drawn up an Environmental Code for the aggregate and concrete product industries, to promote member awareness of, and commitment to, good environmental principles (see Appendix B). The principal environmental impacts which tend to occur, and relevant possible mitigation measures, are set out below. (See Appendix A for a glossary of technical terms used in this and following chapters). 3.2 Noise and vibration Extractive industries are associated with many noise-generating activities – removal of topsoil and overburden, excavation with machinery, drilling and blasting of rock, crushing and screening of aggregates, transport of raw materials and finished products within the site and on public roads, etc. Blasting (which occurs at quarries, but not in sand and gravel pits) can give rise to vibration, audible noise, flyrock and dust. The levels of vibration caused by blasting are well below those which can cause structural damage to properties. Nonetheless, vibration transmitted through the ground and pressure waves through the air (“air overpressure”) can shake buildings and people and may cause nuisance. Audible noise accompanies overpressure. Noise can cause annoyance, nuisance, sleep disturbance and can also affect wildlife. Residential properties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, churches, etc. are also noise-sensitive receptors. Best practice/possible mitigation measures: The nearer a site to noise-sensitive properties or areas, the more stringent should be the controls on noise emissions. There are several methods of noise control:
  (Cited in full above.)
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.56s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 4 SUBMITTING A PLANNING APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT — 4.11 CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
  (Cited in full above.)
• TII/DMRB: Assessment of Road Bridges & Structures for Abnormal Load Vehicles (AM-STR-06048) p.22technical guidance
  3. LOADING — 3.14.3 For loaded lengths of up to 50m, associated Type HA loading (representing C&U vehicle loading) (3.19 - 3.31) shall be applied. For loaded lengths in excess of 50m, advice shall be sought from the National Road Authority.
  The travelling speed of SV or SOV load models may be different from that of the associated C&U vehicles. However, if a convoy of vehicles is assumed for the associated C&U vehicles, SV or SOV load models should only be considered at the 'low' speed case.
• TII/DMRB: Assessment of Road Bridges & Structures for Abnormal Load Vehicles (AM-STR-06048) p.36technical guidance
  ANNEX B BASIS OF SV AND SOV LOAD MODELS FOR ASSESSMENT
  ilers (SPMT) are seen to move over very short distances typically within a factory or construction yard to carry very large and prefabricated structures. They have quite unique configurations and it would be difficult to standardise these. Hence SPMT vehicles were excluded from the development of standard models. Structures would need to be designe
• OPR Practice Note PN03 — Planning Conditions (October 2022) p.56technical guidance
  
  This condition will not be relevant where a satisfactory level of detail has already been provided within the application documentation; in such cases the relevant standard condition in sheet A will suffice. Loading Bays G.7 Provision shall be made for [XX] loading bays within the [site/ development]. Details of this provision, including swept man

• eplanning_KerryCC_201284 — refused · — · 6% match
  PALLAS , KILFEIGHNY SOUTH AND GLANOE , CO KERRY
• eplanning_GalwayCC_2361008 — REFUSED · — · 6% match
  Grange East Peakroe Ballinloughaun Moor Cashla & Barrettstown , Co. Galway

the inspection confirmed the suitability of the reviewed roads as a potential delivery route, subject to a detailed pavement inspection to be undertaken once the final route has been agreed with longford county council.

• Other Assessments (docid 379173) (page 1): “the inspection confirmed the suitability of the reviewed roads as a potential delivery route, subject to a detailed pavement inspection to be undertaken once the final route has been agreed with longford county council.”

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.143dev plan
  CHAPTER 5: TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS
  137 • LP – 1025 - From Gaigue 4 roads to Gaigue Bridge (at School) - This policy shall not preclude the creation of new accesses or the widening or intensification of existing accesses along these roads, but such developments shall be subject to assessment in accordance with the relevant technical criteria. - The feasibility of any improvements wi
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.79s28 guideline
  73
  (Cited in full above.)
• Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2012) p.19s28 guideline
  2 — 2.6 Exceptional Circumstances Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.5 above, planning authorities may identify stretches of national roads where a less restrictive approach may be applied, but only as part of the process of reviewing or varying the relevant development plan and having consulted and taken on board the advice of the NRA and having followed the approach outlined below.
  ns of national secondary routes. Such areas would be confined to lightly trafficked national secondary roads serving structurally weak and remote communities where a balance needs to be struck between the important transport functions of such roads and supporting the social and economic development of these areas. In such areas, policies in develop

• eplanning_GalwayCC_2361008 — REFUSED · — · 9% match
  Grange East Peakroe Ballinloughaun Moor Cashla & Barrettstown , Co. Galway
• eplanning_KerryCC_201284 — refused · — · 8% match
  PALLAS , KILFEIGHNY SOUTH AND GLANOE , CO KERRY

photographs taken during the inspection on 11 july 2025 are presented below.

• Other Assessments (docid 379173) (page 37): “photographs taken during the inspection on 11 july 2025 are presented below.”

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.396dev plan
  CHAPTER 14: LANDSCAPE CHARCTER
  See Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027, CHAPTER 14: LANDSCAPE CHARCTER, cited in full above.
• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.145dev plan
  CHAPTER 5: TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS
  139 R393 Road Improvement – Longford to Ballinacarrow Bridge (Agharra) via Carrickboy R395 Road Improvement – Edgeworthstown to Balloo R396 Road Improvement – Rathcronan to Camagh R397 Road Improvement – Cartrongeeragh to Tirlickeen R398 Road Improvement – Derraghan to Brickeens R399 Road Improvement – Ratharney to Kilcurry Development of Granard
• SNH Visual Representation of Wind Farms (Version 2.2, February 2017) p.50technical guidance
  Version 2.2 February 2017 — 6 Repowering
  See SNH Visual Representation of Wind Farms (Version 2.2, February 2017), Version 2.2 February 2017, 6 Repowering, cited in full above.
• SNH Visual Representation of Wind Farms (Version 2.2, February 2017) p.39technical guidance
  Version 2.2 February 2017 — Optional visualisation techniques
  Viewpoint pack 189 In some cases the planning authority may find the provision of a viewpoint pack helpful. These should be provided on thicker A3 paper for durability and ease of use in the field. Images contained within the pack should be loose leaf and should have a detailed location map printed on the reverse side to make it easier for users t

• eplanning_KerryCC_201284 — refused · — · 3% match
  PALLAS , KILFEIGHNY SOUTH AND GLANOE , CO KERRY
• eplanning_GalwayCC_2361008 — REFUSED · — · 2% match
  Grange East Peakroe Ballinloughaun Moor Cashla & Barrettstown , Co. Galway

the water quality status recorded at the stations varies from 'moderate' to 'good'.

• Other Assessments (docid 379149) (page 1): “the water quality status recorded at the stations varies from 'moderate' to 'good'.”

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.358dev plan
  CHAPTER 12: NATURAL HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT
  353 26F_10 Inny_110 River Review Unassigned 2027 Subcatchment 26E South & West 26E_1 Derrymaccar Lake Review Unassigned 2027 26E_1 Ree Lake At Risk Moderate 2027 26E_1 Drumnee_010 River Review Unassigned 2027 The EPA published a ‘Water Quality in Ireland 2013-2018’ assessment which provides an evaluation of the ecological health of Ireland’s river
• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.383dev plan
  CHAPTER 14: LANDSCAPE CHARCTER
  ng the shores of the lake, islands, the riverbanks, and in the vicinity of the Aquifer. Unit 4 – Central Corridor Sensitivity of the landscapes in this unit are generally LOW. Potential areas of MEDIUM to HIGH sensitivity exist in the vicinity of protected woodlands, riverbanks and in the vicinity of the Aquifer. Unit 5 – Inny Basin
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.57s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 4 SUBMITTING A PLANNING APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT — 4.11 CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
  (Cited in full above.)

the delivery route presented in this report represents a potential option and is not

• Other Assessments (docid 379170) (page 42): “the delivery route presented in this report represents a potential option and is not”

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.143dev plan
  CHAPTER 5: TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS
  (Cited in full above.)
• National Planning Framework — Ireland 2040 p.39national policy
  The Eastern and Midland part of Ireland will, by 2040, be a Region of around 2.85 million people, at least half a million more than today. — Key future planning and development and place-making policy priorities for the Eastern and Midland Region include:
  Improving access to Dublin Airport, to include improved public transport access, connections from the road network from the west and north and in the longer term, consideration of heavy rail access to facilitate direct services from the national rail network in the context of potential future electrification; Facilitating the growth of Dublin Port
• framework for co operation spatial strategies of northern ireland and the republic of ireland p.12s28 guideline
  Diagram No. 1 — • promote a more broadly based rural economy and strong rural communities.
  Framework for Co-operation 14 Monaghan Carndonagh Dundalk Letterkenny Sligo Buncrana Castleblayney Cootehill Bailieborough Clones Ballybofey Donegal Ballyshannon Bundoran Cavan Carrick-on-Shannon Boyle to Galway to Dublin Lifford Drogheda to Dublin to Mullingar, Tullamore and Athlone Ardee Carrickmacross 0 35km Approx. Sca
• OPR Practice Note PN02 — Environmental Impact Assessment Screening (June 2021) p.52technical guidance
  Form 3 — B. Examination:
  See OPR Practice Note PN02 — Environmental Impact Assessment Screening (June 2021), Form 3, B. Examination:, cited in full above.

• eplanning_KerryCC_201284 — refused · — · 7% match
  PALLAS , KILFEIGHNY SOUTH AND GLANOE , CO KERRY
• eplanning_GalwayCC_2361008 — REFUSED · — · 6% match
  Grange East Peakroe Ballinloughaun Moor Cashla & Barrettstown , Co. Galway

temporary storage of soil will be carefully managed in such a way as to prevent any potential negative impact on the receiving environment. the material will be stored away from any open excavations. movement of material will be minimised in order to reduce degradation of soil structure and generation of dust.

• CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS, in Other Assessments (docid 379170, pp. 69–71) — Section 6.4 Excavation and Earthworks commits to following the Hydrogeology and Geological Assessment Report but then gives generic principles: temporary soil storage 'carefully managed', material stored away from open excavations, movement minimised. It does not specify a topsoil stripping depth or separate topsoil/overburden handling.
• ECR Ballymahon Solar Farm, in Other Assessments (docid 379149, p. 103) — repeats the same generic soil storage wording and says chisel ploughing will be carried out between panel rows after panel installation to reduce compaction, but gives no pre-construction soil handling detail.
• Hydrology and Hydrogeology assessment, in Other Assessments (docid 379179, pp. 18–19) — Section 5.2.2 and 5.2.3 contains stockpile, silt fence and sediment controls, but no topsoil stripping depth, topsoil/overburden separation, or soil-type-specific storage locations.
• EIA Screening Report, in Other Assessments (docid 379174, p. 46) — concludes that residual construction sediment/runoff impact is 'negative, imperceptible, and short term' based on 'appropriate earthworks handling protocol during construction', but the protocol is not defined.
• Decommissioning and Restoration Plan, in Other Assessments (docid 379158, pp. 26–27) — says topsoil will be redistributed to provide substantially similar ground cover and access road footprints will be decompacted, but does not address construction-phase preservation of topsoil or compaction around pile/concrete footings.
• Drainage Network Drawings (docid 379220) — show a typical silt fence detail at stockpile areas, with no topsoil/overburden segregation, stripping depth, or storage specification.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.364dev plan
  CHAPTER 12: NATURAL HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT
  359 Soil Protection – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: CPO12.104 Recognise and protect fertile agricultural soils in the County as an important non-renewable natural resource and protect soils identified as agriculturally important in the Landscape Assessment through the prevention of inappropriate use in the develop
• guidelines for planning authorities and an bord plean la on carrying out environmental impact assessment august 2018 p.58s28 guideline
  Appendix I - Codified Directive — policy on the environment is based on the precautionary principle and on the principles
  (Cited in full above.)
• EPA Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (2022) p.37s28 guideline
  Consultation — ISSUES
  (Cited in full above.)
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.83s28 guideline
  Planning Guidelines
  local soil and left for natural re-vegetation, although they should be re-sodded in highly exposed locations.
• Programme for Government: Our Shared Future (2020) p.67national policy
  Mission: Balanced Regional Development — Our Shared Future
  ensuring the sustainable use of the derogation, in line with our environmental objectives. • Encourage farming practices, which preserve or enhance soil organic matter. • Introduce a national liming programme to improve

strip and store the top vegetated layer for re-use as a sealing layer to prevent sediment runoff and minimize visual impact. stored around the site compound perimeter, away from sensitive habitats.

• Other Assessments (docid 379170), CEMP Ballymahon Solar + BESS, File No. 1249, pages 59–60 and 69–70 — sets out construction-phase soil management and Table 6.2 for the compound. It says the top vegetated layer will be stripped and stored around the compound perimeter, and that stone will be placed in layers to form the hardstanding area.
• Other Assessments (docid 379174), EIA Screening Report, pages 46–47 — acknowledges excavation, soil handling and compaction impacts, then concludes the residual soil/sediment impact is 'negative, imperceptible, and short term' on the basis of CEMP measures.
• Other Assessments (docid 379179) / Updated Hydrology & Hydrogeology (PKF-JBAI, pages 18–19) — repeats general measures: chisel ploughing between panel rows, covered/dampened stockpiles, compound at least 10m from drains, but does not address compound soil reinstatement or foundation compaction.
• Other Assessments (docid 379158), DPR Ballymahon Solar + BESS, page 27 — provides site rehabilitation at decommissioning, including topsoil redistribution and decompaction by chisel ploughing/subsoiling, but does not address temporary construction compound demobilisation or pile/concrete-foundation compaction.

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.364dev plan
  CHAPTER 12: NATURAL HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT
  (Cited in full above.)
• guidelines for planning authorities and an bord plean la on carrying out environmental impact assessment august 2018 p.58s28 guideline
  Appendix I - Codified Directive — policy on the environment is based on the precautionary principle and on the principles
  (Cited in full above.)
• EPA Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (2022) p.37s28 guideline
  Consultation — ISSUES
  (Cited in full above.)
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.83s28 guideline
  Planning Guidelines
  (Cited in full above.)
• Programme for Government: Our Shared Future (2020) p.67national policy
  Mission: Balanced Regional Development — Our Shared Future
  (Cited in full above.)

minor hedgerow trimming or removal may be required to achieve these standards, with exact locations and extents to be agreed with longford county council prior to works.

• Other Assessments (docid 379173) (page 57): “minor hedgerow trimming or removal may be required to achieve these standards, with exact locations and extents to be agreed with longford county council prior to works.”

• Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 p.169dev plan
  CHAPTER 5: TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS
  (Cited in full above.)
• Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (2019) p.120s28 guideline
  X+ — 4.4.5 Visibility Splays
  Visibility splays are included at junctions to provide sight lines along the intersected street to ensure that drivers have sufficient reaction time should a vehicle enter their path. Visibility splays are applied to priority junctions where drivers must use their own judgement as to when it is safe to enter the junction. Junction visibility spla
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.57s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 4 SUBMITTING A PLANNING APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT — 4.11 CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
  (Cited in full above.)
• wind energy development guidelines 2006 p.79s28 guideline
  73
  (Cited in full above.)
• Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) p.59s28 guideline
  CHAPTER 5 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT — 5.2 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE ASSESSMENT OF WIND ENERGY PLANNING APPLICATIONS
  See Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019), CHAPTER 5 CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, 5.2 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE ASSESSMENT OF WIND ENERGY PLANNING APPLICATIONS, cited in full above.