Knocknamork Renewable Energy Development

RENEWABLES

Knocknamork Renewable Energy Development

In January 2020, MKO secured planning permission from Cork County Council for a renewable energy development on behalf of Knocknamork Ltd., comprising 7 no. wind turbines with a maximum blade tip height of 150m, 70,000 square metres solar photovoltaic array, electricity substation and all ancillary development (Pl. Ref. 19/04972). The development is located in the townlands of Coomnaclohy and Slieveragh, Co. Cork, approximately 3 kilometres northwest of the village of Ballyvourney.

Project challenges

The Knocknamork Renewable Energy Development is one of the first projects of its kind in Ireland, comprising of a combination of wind and solar energy production. MKO commenced work on this project in November 2018, and an application was submitted to Cork County Council in April 2019.

The application was the subject of further information request from the local authority in June 2019. The main concerns raised in the request were related to the potential visual impact on road users on the N22 Coolcower to Slieveriacht, Macroom By-pass (not yet constructed at the time), potential effects of glint and glare on road users and fauna, noise, cumulative effects on several sensitive bird species (including hen harrier). A detailed and robust response to the further information request was submitted to the local authority in September 2019 before notification of a decision to grant permission for the project was issued by the Cork County Council in November 2019. The formal grant of planning permission was issued in early January 2021.

Main services provided

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Planning application and EIAR/NS Coordinators

Management of a large multi-disciplinary team during the preparation and production of the planning application documentation, including all site surveys and investigations.