A solar farm in north county Waterford has been given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanála.
The board has granted planning permission for the farm at two sites in the townlands of Curraghduff and Mothel, despite objections from local residents.
BNRGN Mothel Ltd was initially granted planning permission by Waterford Council in May of this year, subject to 22 conditions.
The company said the farm would provide enough power for approximately 7,200 homes, however it was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by 56 residents.
They included concerns that the development would have detrimental effects on health, well-being and the agricultural environment, would be out of context with the scenic nature of the area, and devalue property.
BNRGN Mothel Ltd argued that the area is not designated scenic, noise output is within relevant thresholds, and there's no evidence that property value would be impacted.
They added that they expect there will be community gains in terms of employment.
In its deliberations, An Bord Pleanála said the farm would not have an unacceptable impact on biodiversity and it would make a positive contribution to Ireland's requirement for renewable energy.
It decided to grant conditional planning permission.
One of the conditions changed the 30 year operational period of the farm to 25 years.
