Planning Report - Caulstown-Platin 110kV Transmission ...
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Planning Report
Prepared on behalf of SEE Generation Ireland Ltd, to
accompany a Planning Application for a proposed Air
Insulated Switchgear (AIS) 110kV Transmission
Substation, at Carranstown and Caulstown, Platin,
Duleek, Co. Meath
Submitted to:
An Bord Pleanála
February 2019
1
s
t
F1st Floor, 24-26 Ormond
Quay Upper, Dublin 7
Page 1 of 51
Table of Contents
1 PREAMBLE ...................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Environmental Report Summary ............................................................................... 3
1.2 Natura Impact Assessment Summary ....................................................................... 4
2 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 5
3 BACKGROUND TO THIS APPLICATION ........................................................................ 5
3.1 Profile of Scottish and Southern Energy plc (SSE) ................................................... 5
3.2 SSE Operations in Ireland ......................................................................................... 5
3.3 Strategic context of Platin OCGT and associated Substation for Ireland and the
SSE Group ............................................................................................................................ 6
3.4 Peaker plants in Ireland ............................................................................................. 8
3.5 The Project Team .................................................................................................... 12
3.6 Pre-Planning Consultation ....................................................................................... 12
3.7 Pre-Application Public Engagement ........................................................................ 13
4 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ....................................................... 14
4.1 Planning Context ..................................................................................................... 14
4.2 Site Location and Context ....................................................................................... 14
4.3 Main Features .......................................................................................................... 16
4.4 Legislative Context .................................................................................................. 18
4.5 Rationale for the Proposed Development ............................................................... 19
5 PLANNING HISTORY OF SITE & SURROUNDS .......................................................... 21
5.1 Parent Permission ................................................................................................... 21
5.2 Amendment Permission .......................................................................................... 21
5.3 Planning Reg Ref SA100263 ................................................................................... 22
5.4 Surrounding Area..................................................................................................... 22
6 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS .................................................................................... 26
6.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 26
6.2 Compliance with Meath CDP Planning Policies ...................................................... 26
6.2.1 Zoning and Existing Land Use ............................................................................. 26
6.2.2 Meath County Council Sectoral Policies .............................................................. 27
6.2.3 Landscape and Visual Assessment ..................................................................... 35
6.2.4 Built and Natural Heritage.................................................................................... 36
6.2.5 Bru na Boinne ...................................................................................................... 40
6.3 Compliance with Regional Planning Guidelines ...................................................... 41
6.4 Compliance with the Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy ...................... 42
6.5 Compliance with the National Planning Framework (NPF) ..................................... 43
6.6 Compliance with the National Development Plan 2018-2027 ................................. 43
7 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................ 44
Appendix A – Photo Key and Views of Proposal ..................................................................... 46
Page 2 of 51
1 PREAMBLE
AOS Planning, in conjunction with Project Management Group (PM Group) have
been commissioned by SSE Generation Ireland Ltd. (hereafter referred to as SSE) to
prepare planning and environmental reports for an Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS)
110kV Substation at Caulstown and Carranstown, Platin, Duleek, County Meath.
The above proposed development comprises one of two separate parts of an overall
proposed development at this location. The main overall development proposal on a
slightly extended site at this location, entails two separate components; that of a 4
bay Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) 110kV transmission substation component, which
is subject of this Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) application being lodged
directly to An Bord Pleanála under the requirements of Sections 182A(1) and 182B of
the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended); and the second comprising
an Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) Power Plant (Peaker) component, which is
being progressed as a separate planning application to Meath County Council.
Pre-application meetings have taken place between SSE and An Bord Pleanála, in
accordance with the provisions of Section 182E of The Planning and Development
Act 2000 (as amended). An Bord Pleanála has considered that the 110 kV
Transmission Substation constitutes a ‘type’ of development (under the provisions of
Section 182A and 182B of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended),
which requires permission under Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID)
regulations.
This Planning Report, prepared by AOS Planning, identifies and considers the
existing policy support for the proposed development in the context of relevant
national, regional and local planning strategy, plans and policy documents, and
provides an assessment of the potential impact of the project in respect of relevant
planning policies and objectives.
1.1 Environmental Report Summary
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required for the proposed
development as the project falls below the threshold of development requiring a full
EIA as defined by either Part 1 or Part 2 of Schedule 5 of the Planning and
Development Regulations, 2001 (as amended). An EIA is also not required under the
provisions of the European Communities Planning and Development (Environmental
Impact Assessment) Regulations 2018.
Notwithstanding the above, an EIA Screening Report comprises part of the planning
application documentation (Attachment 4 of the Environmental Report), and an
Environmental Report has been prepared to address appropriate and relevant
environmental matters and issues, in accordance with the principles of good practice
when preparing the application, and to address any potential environmental concerns
of An Bord Pleanála, Meath County Council and any other interested parties. In
addition, a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and is included with the
submitted planning application documentation.
The Environmental Report describes the proposed development and the potential
impacts on relevant surrounding environmental media. These are then examined in
separate appropriate topic sections, including Landscape and Visual; Water and
Wastewater; Air Quality and Climate; and Archaeology.
Page 3 of 51
1.2 Natura Impact Assessment Summary
Following an examination, analysis and evaluation of the relevant information
including, in particular, the nature of the proposed development and the relationship
between the proposed development site and the relevant European sites and,
applying the precautionary principle, it is the professional opinion of the authors of
the Stage 2 AA (NIS) report, that there will be no adverse impact on the integrity of
the two relevant European sites.
Page 4 of 51
2 INTRODUCTION
The proposed development aims to reinforce the transmission network and facilitate
the provision of strategic, sustainable energy generation support infrastructure and
capacity, at peak times of energy demand, within the Greater Dublin Area (GDA),
which the region requires for its continued social and economic development. The
nature of the transmission substation and associated OCGT (peaker) plants, and the
integrated design of this proposed development will allow for operational flexibility in
order that it can cater for high demand and respond quickly to fluctuations on the
electricity grid with high efficiency. The planning and environmental reports detail the
key planning and environmental issues that have been considered by the project
team in the preparation of the application.
3 BACKGROUND TO THIS APPLICATION
3.1 Profile of Scottish and Southern Energy plc (SSE)
SSE owns and operates over 2,000MW of generation capacity on the island of
Ireland, with 740MW coming from 29 onshore wind farms. This makes SSE the
largest generator of renewable energy in the all-island Single Electricity Market.
The company’s renewables portfolio includes Ireland's largest onshore wind farm, the
174MW Galway Wind Park, which was jointly developed with Coillte.
SSE has also commissioned one of Ireland’s cleanest and most efficient power
plants – the 464MW CCGT power station at Great Island, Co. Wexford - which
generates enough energy to power over half a million homes.
SSE’s retail arm in Ireland, SSE Airtricity, is the second largest energy supplier on
the island, providing greener electricity, natural gas and essential services to home
and business customers.
Through SSE Airtricity Utility Solutions, the company is also Ireland’s leading public
lighting contractor, maintaining around 250,000 street lights.
SSE is proud to have contributed over €6.5 million in funding to communities close to
its wind farms across Ireland through the SSE Airtricity Community Fund, making a
difference for more than 2,500 local groups and projects.
Since 2008, SSE has invested over €2.5 billion in the development of Ireland’s
sustainable energy infrastructure, helping to green our economy and secure our
energy future.
SSE employs around 1,000 people directly on the island of Ireland, and is proud to
be a Living Wage employer. In 2017, SSE Ireland was certified by Business in the
Community Ireland to the Business Working Responsibly Mark, the ‘gold standard’
for Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability in Ireland.
3.2 SSE Operations in Ireland
In January 2008, SSE acquired Airtricity, a well-established Irish-based renewable
energy company with headquarters in Dublin developing, building and operating wind
farms in the UK, Ireland and continental Europe and supplying electricity to
commercial and domestic customers in Ireland. Since then a rebranding process took
place and the business was split into two arms: Airtricity Energy Supply – fully
Page 5 of 51
responsible for supply business in Ireland and currently supplying electricity to over
170,000 customers in Ireland, and SSE Renewables, responsible for the
development and construction of SSE Group’s renewable energy projects and
thermal fleet across Ireland, Great Britain, and Continental Europe, including offshore
and onshore wind farms, hydro, marine, biomass, and solar projects.
The company is also the second largest energy provider on the island of Ireland as
well as in the competitive energy markets in Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of
Ireland (ROI). It supplies electricity and gas to around 800,000 household and
business customer accounts in NI and ROI under its SSE Airtricity brand. SSE is
Northern Ireland’s number 1 provider of cleaner, greener energy, providing more
renewable energy to home electricity customers than any other supplier, and it
supplies 100% green energy to all its business customers.
SSE is the leading generator of renewable energy in Ireland and the UK, with over
2,200MW of renewable electricity generation capacity (wind, hydro, and biomass),
and a portfolio of over 15,000MW of renewable energy projects in construction, with
consent or in development.
3.3 Strategic context of Platin OCGT and associated Substation for Ireland
and the SSE Group
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources published the
White Paper 'Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030' which
encompasses an energy policy update with an objective to “guide a transition to a
low carbon energy system, which provides secure supplies of competitive and
affordable energy”. The paper provides a framework to guide policy and also sets out
actions in the energy sector which the Government intends to undertake within that
period.
In relation to Energy Network Innovation, the paper states that “Ireland is
acknowledged as a world leader in energy systems integration technology
innovation, which will have a major influence on how energy networks are developed
and operated during the transition. In particular, electricity system operators are
likely to adopt innovative ways of improving efficiency and adapting to a diversifying
electricity generation portfolio”.
Section 6.6 of the White Paper discusses ‘Emergency Management’ and outlines the
following with regard to energy security:
Responding to and recovering from the impact of unanticipated disruptions to
electricity, gas or oil supplies are important aspects of energy security. The
National Risk Assessment for Ireland [48] approved by the Government Task
Force for Emergency Planning in 2012 and the National Risk Assessment 2015:
Overview of Strategic Risks [5] by the Department of the Taoiseach have both
identified “disruption to energy supply” as a risk that requires national mitigation.
Energy emergency management is therefore an important element of national
energy security.
This proposed project is a critical power generation and transmission asset required
as part of the transition of Ireland’s electricity infrastructure away from reliance on
carbon intensive fossil fuel generation to a sustainable, low carbon electricity
network, as well as a response to addressing and mitigating risk to power disruption,
supply and demand on the area.
Page 6 of 51
Renewable Energy is a national priority and government policy, and is emphasised
as such in the government’s White Paper on Energy. This being said, renewable
energy is dependent entirely on the ability of networks and grids to allow its best,
safe and stable use. Renewable Energy is a principal driver which must be viewed
side by side with system services which provide local area embedding and balancing
systems and capacities.
The EirGrid publication, All Island Generation Capacity Statement 2017-2026, notes
that between around 3,900 and 4,300 MW of wind power needs to be installed
nationally by 2020 for Ireland to meets its target required by European legislation of
40% of consumption being met by renewable sources, taking into account the
electricity demand forecast and other renewable energy sources (RES). In order to
balance the variability of such generation of renewable power, increased levels of
fast acting, flexible OCGT generation is required. The proposed 110KV substation
(the subject of this SID application to ABP), will facilitate one of such proposed fast
acting OCGT plants through enabling generated energy enter the grid network.
The importance of new flexible generation is core to government, regulator and
power system operator policies and can be seen within key energy policy documents,
including:
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Change & Energy Security Third
Report
Commission for Energy Regulation Strategic Plan (2014-2018)
EirGrid Generation Adequacy Report (2010-2016)
EirGrid All-Island Generation Capacity Statement 2017-2026
Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030
Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of
Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure (2012)
Commission for Regulation of Utilities - Dublin Security of Supply:
Measures to mitigate the risk of disorderly exit (05/10/2018) (Reference:
CRU/18/228)
In addition to delivering on climate change targets by facilitating more wind
generation, OCGT plant and the associated transmission substation also provides
additional system and fuel benefits for the power system in Ireland including:
Fast acting backup reserve to the system operator during difficult
operational periods
Additional security of supply
Supporting power quality (voltage) in weak parts of the electricity network
The connection of the units (which are the subject of a separate planning application
to Meath Co. Council) at Carranstown and Caulstown, Platin, and the proposed
Substation, would provide strategic support to the electricity system, and has been
the subject of discussion by EirGrid with the Energy Regulator, the Commission for
Regulation of Utilities (CRU), who have asked that EirGrid consider its progression
with the utmost urgency within the context of maintaining security of supply of the
electricity system (Please see CRU letter, dated 31st October 2018, CRU Ref.
D/18/19955, within Schedule 2 of the application).
Tackling climate change and securing future supplies remain the two goals of energy
policy in Ireland and the EU. As is alluded to above, the Irish Government has set a
Page 7 of 51
binding target of 40% of electricity consumption to be met by renewable energy by
2020, the majority of which is expected to be provided by wind energy.
Wind energy supplied 22% of all electricity in Ireland in 2016 and had an installed
capacity of over 2,800 MW. Considering the target from the Government relating to
an increase in electricity generated from renewable energy, the development of wind
energy is set to increase.
Given the variable nature of wind resource the relevant back-up must be provided –
for this reason the mid-merit / peaking power plant such as Platin are designed. The
plant’s flexible capability and rapid operating response will allow greater penetration
of wind-powered generation on the system, and hence a reduction in greenhouse
gases. It is critical that new plant on the system is highly flexible to ensure that the
system operator can call for the power to be switched on quickly in the event of drop
of production from wind. It has to be stressed that traditional, conventional power
plants (coal, peat or gas fired) have not only long start up times but the start up
process is also extremely costly and inefficient. Contrary to that, operation of OCGT
plant is based on the principle of available capacity – they can be switched on and off
as required (c. 10 minute start up vs. 20 – 30 mins for conventional Closed Cycle
Generation Turbine (CCGT) plants), and it is significantly less costly.
The use of such plants and associated infrastructure is in accordance with
government policy which notes that “new technologies, services, energy network
architectures and community-based energy initiatives will emerge to facilitate and
drive the transition…Renewable energy will also play a central role in the transition.
No single renewable energy technology – existing or emerging – will alone enable
Ireland to overcome the low carbon challenge. Rather, a diverse range of
technologies will be required along the supply chains for electricity, heat and
transport.” (Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030).
3.4 Peaker plants in Ireland
The proposed 110kV substation facilitates connection of the OCGT Generating Plant
(which is being progressed as a separate planning application to Meath County
Council as noted previously), and conveyance of the electricity being generated by
the OCGT plant onto the National Grid system. Small, flexible peaker/ mid merit
plants as well as flexible base load plants are key to security of energy supply and
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland. The target of 40% of electricity
from renewable energy can only be achieved if such plants are built between now
and 2020.
Currently there are a number of open cycle combustion turbines operating in Ireland
which run on different fuel sources (e.g. gas, waste/biomass); some of these include:
Aghada, Marina, Northwall Unit 5, Tawnaghmore and Cushaling Power Ltd (most are
shown in Figure 3.3).
Electricity output by peak generators counted for 3% of the total output by generation
type within Ireland in 2013 as is illustrated in Figure 3.1 below.
Page 8 of 51
Figure 3.1 Electricity output in 2013 output by generation type
(SEM Committee (2014) Generator Financial Performance in the Single Electricity Market SEM)
There are plans for further capacity, and there are a significant number of projects
under development across the island (see Fig 2.2 below).
EirGrid has been fast tracking some of the applications – including Platin – and these
have early dates for connection to the national grid allocated. There are a number of
OCGT projects under development across Ireland at present. These are expected to
connect to the national grid before 2020 to facilitate new flexible electricity system
which is able to accommodate growing capacity of wind energy generated electricity.
The subject Platin project is expected to be one of a number of projects scheduled to
be fully operational by EirGrid before 2020.
The proposed Substation and all equipment will be owned by ESB, and EirGrid will
ensure the maintenance of same. The works necessary to divert and underground the
existing Corduff-Platin overhead (OH) line within the site, and connect them to the
proposed substation and back into the existing transmission system, will be
undertaken by the ESB.
Platin represents a c. €35m investment by SSE and will create approximately 50-60
jobs during construction. This project will contribute to ensuring the government
target is reached and emissions are reduced.
Page 9 of 51
Figure 3.2 OCGT under development in Ireland
Page 10 of 51Figure 3.3 Dispatchable plant and undersea interconnectors installed in 2018, at exported
capacities. Source: EirGrid - All-Island Generation Capacity Statement 2016-2025
In summary, the proposed development is needed for the following reasons:
- With the increase of wind power on the grid, the proposed substation will
facilitate additional stability and security of supply to the electricity supply in
the region, through facilitating the transmission of electricity from the
proposed adjacent OCGT power plant onto the national grid, and thus assist
to balance the overall electricity transmission network;
- The proposed substation will facilitate an alternative supplier of electricity in
the deregulated market, and is in accordance with the CRU mitigation
measures to ensure sufficient electricity supply to address existing and future
demand in the region, as well as to that of the continued security of electricity
supply.
Page 11 of 513.5 The Project Team
The reports have been prepared by specialist consultants as follows:
Planning Report
AOS Planning
Planning Documentation
AOS Planning
Environmental Report
PM Group
Engineering/ Planning Drawings
AECOM
Natura Impact Statement Statement
Scott Cawley
3.6 Pre-Planning Consultation
Pre-planning consultation meetings have taken place with officials of Meath County
Council, EirGrid, Irish Water, and An Bord Pleanála (ABP).
SID pre-application meetings were held with An Bord Pleanála on the 21st of August
2018 and 13th November 2018. These resulted in an indication and confirmation
from the Board that the proposed entire project (i.e. Peaker Plant component and
Substation component) would be required to follow two separate planning consent
process. In this regard, the OCGT (peaker) Plant component of the proposal is
required to be applied for through Meath County Council, and the 110kV
Transmission Substation component is required to be submitted for approval to ABP
under the provisions of the Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) provisions.
Meetings with officials from Meath County Council were held on the 26th June 2018
and 6th September 2018. At these meetings, the Project Team provided the Meath
Planning Department with an overview of the proposed development.
Arising from these meetings, the Meath Planning Department advised that the
justification for the non-statutory environmental assessment approach should be
clearly set out, and also advised that a visual assessment should be undertaken.
A 60MW development proposal (Ref. SA100263) was granted in 2010 by Meath
County Council on the proposed development site. Although the proposed
development differs to the previously granted development, the proposed substation
is associated with the adjacent proposed OCGT development, which is of similar
nature to the previous 60MW proposal on the site. With regards to the visual
assessment of the previous application, photographs from Knowth, Dowth and
Newgrange were requested to be included as part of the Visual Assessment of the
proposed development. These viewpoints are again used in this application in order
to better facilitate any comparative assessment. An additional viewpoint, taken from a
south-easterly direction facing the site, has also been included, in order to assist in
providing additional local contextual viewing and assessment.
Consultations with Irish Water have confirmed that there is sufficient capacity, and
ensured agreement for the proposed development to be connected to the public
Page 12 of 51water and wastewater services. The proposed overall development will therefore
include connection to public water and wastewater provision supplied by Irish Water.
All of the above have been taken into account for this application, as detailed in this
Planning Report and the Environmental Reports.
3.7 Pre-Application Public Engagement
SSE held a public information evening in the Carranstown Lodge, Drogheda Road,
Duleek on Tuesday 25th September 2018 in order to provide information about the
proposal for the 208MW Peaker Power Generation Plant at Platin.
The event was pre-promoted in local press as well as via a letter drop to local
residences and local councilors with information about the event.
Approximately 30 members of the public attended the open evening, along with two
councilors. A wide range of questions were asked by the public, and the project team
and expert consultants were available to address any queries raised. Questions that
were raised revolved around emissions and noise, and preference for development
interventions to address existing public infrastructure deficits such as public lighting
and sewage. Other concerns highlighted focused on the possibility of erecting walls
and additional foliage to minimise any potential visual impact.
SSE has taken these queries and concerns on board in formulating/ reviewing and
amending the planning application. Further details with regard to public consultation
are included in Schedule 4 (Pre-Application Public Consultation) of the planning
application documentation.
The proposed development has also been described and the process outlined on the
SSE website (http://ireland.sse.com/what-we-do/our-projects-and-
assets/thermal/platin/) for the proposal, which has provided the public with
information and updates relating to these.
Page 13 of 514 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 2 of the Environmental Report accompanying this Planning Report and the
SID application, provides a comprehensive and detailed description of the proposed
development and its component parts. The section below however, provides a brief
overview of the proposal.
4.1 Planning Context
The proposed development site was subject to three previously granted permissions
for power generation plant and related development by both Meath County Council
and An Bord Pleanála. Therefore, the use of the land for power generation and/ or
associated uses, has been fully approved by both Planning Authorities on three
occasions.
The subject proposal is for an AIS 110kV transmission substation. This proposal has
been planned having regard to the associated and related OCGT power plant
development proposal on the extended site, and appropriate national, regional and
county development plans and associated policies and objectives, namely:
The National Planning Framework and associated National Development
Plan;
The Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area 2010 – 2022;
The Draft Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy; and
The Meath County Development Plan 2013 – 2019.
4.2 Site Location and Context
The proposed development site is located in the townlands of Carranstown and
Caulstown at Platin in Co. Meath, approximately 4km north-east of the village of
Duleek and 4km south-west of Drogheda as indicated in Figure 4.1. Duleek Business
Park is situated c.2.1km to the south-west of the site.
The 10.86ha proposed development site (overall development proposal incorporating
both OCGT and Substation components), lies on the south side of the R152 road,
and is currently in agricultural use. As has been idientified in previous An Bord
Pleanála application assessments, the surrounding rural area is characterised as a
‘cluster’ of heavy industry. Existing developments/ land uses include a number of
industrial developments such as the adjacent cement works and quarry (Irish Cement
Ltd.) which are located along the R152 road, the Car Service Station next to the
subject site and a number of other light industrial/ warehouse uses including 3No car
repair/ motor factor workshops are situated to the immediate north on the same side
of the R152. The Indaver Ireland Waste to Energy facility is also within close proximity
of the site, to the north-west on the opposite side of the R152. In addition, a planning
application has recently been granted by Meath County Council (Planning Ref.
LB/160898, currently under appeal, ABP Ref. PL17.248146) for a solar farm on
c.150Ha on land within close proximity to Duleek to the south-west.
Page 14 of 51Figure 4.1 Site Location – Source: Source - OS Map series 43 Reproduced under licence from
Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No. AR 0077410© Ordnance Survey Ireland Government of
Ireland.
The existing Platin Substation is located 400m to the north-west of the proposed
development site, whilst the Navan – Drogheda railway line which runs in a generally
north/ south-west direction, is located c.350m to the north-west.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site at Brú na Boinne lies c.4km northwest of the
proposed development site (to the north of the River Boyne), with footpath access
from the visitor centre located to the south of the River. The Battle of the Boyne
Visitor’s Centre at Oldbridge, also lies c.4.5km to the north of the site. The application
site lies within the wider area that forms part of the Boyne Valley Scenic Drive (see
Figure 4.2 below), although the drive itself does not use public roads in the immediate
vicinity of the site.
Page 15 of 51Subject Site
Figure 4.2 Boyne Valley Scenic Drive. Source: www.discoverboynevalley.ie
4.3 Main Features
The proposed development will comprise the construction of an Air Insulated (AIS)
110kV Transmission Substation consisting of the following main elements:
(a) The construction of a 4 bay Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) 110kV
Transmission substation in a compound area (approx..15,673m2) under the
existing Corduff – Platin 110kV overhead line and the looping into the proposed
substation of said overhead line;
(b) A Substation Control Building with floor area of 375m2, measuring 25m x
15m, and 6m high
(c) The removal of a 500m length of the 110 kV overhead line and the diversion
of this line by means of underground cables along the western and northern
boundaries of the site;
(d) The installation of 2 no. line to cable interface masts (LCIM) approximately
16m in height in the north-east and south-west corners of the site to convert the
overhead line into an underground cable;
(e) All other site and ancillary works, including widened and upgraded entrance
from the R152, internal road, temporary construction compound, landscaping,
palisade fencing, and the erection of 7No, 18m high lightning protection
monopoles.
(f) New road markings, including deceleration lane approaching the site on the
R152.
Page 16 of 51The proposed development also includes the following temporary works to assist in
the programmed diversion of the overhead line to facilitate construction works:
(g) Restringing of the OHL conductor between the existing 110kV pole set and
new Line Cable Interface Mast at the south western side of the site. At the
north eastern side of the site, restringing of the OHL conductor between the
existing angle mast and the new Line Cable Interface Mast. The addition of a
new 110kV cable and Fibre Optic (FO) cable (circa 500m) between the new
LCIMs along the northern and western side of the site.
(h) Removal of 2No. 110kV pole sets and the removal of the 3No. spans of OHL
conductor.
(i) Temporary works for the diversion will include erecting temporary stays on
the 110kV pole set to the south west of the site, and the temporary rerouting
of the Fibre Optic (FO) cable from the existing 110kV angle mast to the north
east of the site to the 110kV pole set to the south west of the site via 12No.
38kV wood poles located along the eastern and southern boundary of the
site.
The proposed 110kV substation is planned to serve an Open Cycle Gas Turbine
Generation (OCGT) Plant, proposed to be located adjacent and to the east and north
of the proposed 110 kV substation compound which will be the subject of a separate
planning application to Meath County Council.
The entrance to the proposed development is proposed to be widened and upgraded
on foot of discussions with the Roads Design Office of Meath County Council and a
deceleration zone has also been included at the entrance. Landscape Drawings also
accompany this application illustrating how the facility will be landscaped to ensure
minimal visual impact.
Summary of Electrical and Transmission Systems, and Grid Connection
Full details on the activities from the proposed development site are included in the
Environmental Report accompanying this SID application.
The proposed substation will facilitate the normal operation of the OCGT plant (being
submitted as a separate application to Meath County Council), i.e. it will be used to
transmit electricity being generated by the OGCT onto the national grid, at times of
peaks in national electricity demand. The separate OGGT proposal to Meath County
Council includes 10.5kV/110kV step-up transformers. These transformers will step up
the voltage of power generated by the units to 110kV. The transformers will connect
to the proposed 110 kV Transmission Substation for connection to the National Grid.
The electricity generated will be exported to the national grid via the existing 110kV
line (proposed to be diverted as part of this SID Application) currently traversing the
site, and is required on the following basis:
- With the increase of wind power on the grid, the proposed substation will
facilitate additional stability and security of supply to the electricity supply in
the region, through facilitating the transmission of electricity from the
proposed adjacent OCGT power plant onto the national grid, and thus assist
to balance the overall electricity transmission network;
Page 17 of 51- The proposed substation will facilitate an alternative supplier of electricity in
the deregulated market, and is in accordance with the CRU mitigation
measures to ensure sufficient electricity supply to address existing and future
demand in the region, as well as to that of the continued security of electricity
supply.
Water Supply and Treatment
Water to the overall SSE site (i.e. including both the Substation and OCGT
component parts), will be supplied from Meath County Council (MCC)/ Irish Water
mains supply. Water supply provision and capacity to the site has been confirmed to
be possible and available, by both the Water Services Section of Meath County
Council, and Irish Water.
Waste Water Treatment
Matters relating to wastewater, and associated with the proposed development, are
outlined in the Environmental Report (Chapter 9) which accompanies this application.
It should however be noted that whilst there are various waste waters arising from
the OCGT (peaker) plant component of the overall development (subject of a
separate application to Meath County Council), there will be no potential water/
wastewater discharge/ emissions from the proposed substation. There will be
hygiene facilities available at the substation site for those carrying out quarterly
inspections, and foul wastewater from the hygiene facilities will discharge to an
underground foul wastewater holding tank. The contents of this tank will not be
discharged to the Duleek Waste Water Treatment Plant via the municipal sewer. The
contents of the tank will be pumped out approximately once per year by a licensed
waste contractor and transported off site for appropriate disposal.
Rainfall runoff from the Substation hard-standing areas will be attenuated as part of
the overall surface water attenuation design for the overall development site.
Substation Operation
The 110kV substation will require minimal attendance. It is anticipated that it will be
attended once per quarter for a visual inspection. No routine maintenance is
envisaged
4.4 Legislative Context
Whilst the OCGT proposed development component is subject to an Industrial
Emissions Directive Licence (IED License) and a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Permit,
the consents, permits and licences relevant to the proposed transmission substation,
are outlined briefly as follows:
Connection Agreement to the National Electricity Grid
A connection offer to the transmission grid is currently being
progressed and it is anticipated that a connection offer will be in place
prior to construction commencing. When completed, the proposed
110kV transmission substation will be transferred to ESB and EirGrid
and will form part of the 110kV transmission network.
Generator Licence from the Commission for Regulation of
Utilities [CRU]
To connect to the electricity network, a generator connecting must hold
an Authorisation to Construct or Reconstruct a Generating Station and
Page 18 of 51a Generator Licence. The CRU is responsible for assessing these
permits. The Applicant is preparing an application for such a permit.
4.5 Rationale for the Proposed Development
The specific ‘Planning Need’ or Rationale’ for the proposed development is to
facilitate the separate (but associated) OCGT Peaking plant proposal, through
enabling generated electricity to enter the existing network, and is attributable to the
requirement to provide urgent strategic support to the existing electricity system in
the region, and would assist in ensuring and maintaining its security of supply within
the region.
As illustrated in Figure 4.3 below, the proposal site in Caulstown and Carranstown
(Platin), is situated on the existing transmission network between two large areas of
electrical ‘Demand Increases’ to the north and south of the site, with existing
transmission lines passing through the proposed development area and serving
these. Examples of such areas include Drogheda which lies approximately 2.7km to
the north-east of the site and the Dublin and Kildare area further south.
The subject development site is therefore suitably placed for the provision of a
development proposal such as the 110kV transmission substation, together with the
208MW (electrical output) OCGT Generation Plant, which will enable the support of
the existing network and maintain a secure supply to these areas of increased
demand within the region.
PLATIN
Figure 4.3: Transmission System – Illustrating Areas of Change Driving Network Development
(source: EirGrid TDP, 2015; www.eirgridgroup.com)
Given the increased levels of economic growth in recent times, occurring within and
adjacent to larger settlements in the eastern region, the provision of strategic
transmission infrastructure is pivotal in supporting existing economic growth centres
and allowing for the continued development of these centres through providing
adequate and reliable services for development to occur and expand. The Platin site
Page 19 of 51is located in relatively close proximity to areas and settlements identified to
accommodate growth and which are currently experiencing economic development.
In addition, as highlighted, the site is connected to these areas by the existing
transmission network transecting the site of the proposed development
In addition to the above, an Information Paper1 has been recently published
(05/10/2018) by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). As is highlighted
within the paper, “the CRU is required by legislation to have regard to security of
supply and to take such measures as it considers necessary to protect security of
supply.” The Information Paper outlines the CRU’s response to an event where a
potential disorderly exit of a power generator occurs, specifically for the potential
disorderly exit of Huntstown Power Company Limited (HNC) and Viridian Power
Limited (HN2). The Paper also notes that the “evolving nature of anticipated demand
levels in the Dublin Region have also been taken into account, in particular expected
demand levels are higher now than they were when the first T-1 auction was run in
December 2017”. The point is also made that security of supply issues can arise not
only due to increases in demand in an area, but also due to reductions in generation
capacity in a particular area.
In response to the above, the paper sets out a number of mitigation measures which
the CRU decided to progress in the event of existing DMILC Risk (demonstrable,
material, and imminent likelihood of closure), including:
1. Local Reserve Service Agreements (LRSAs)
2. Additional Service Provision in the Dublin Region
3. Locational Scalars for System Services in the Dublin Region
4. Financial Reporting to mitigate future disorderly exit
5. TSO (Transmission System Operator – EirGrid) Operational measures
to maintain system security
6. Facilitating generators connecting in the Dublin Region
7. Accelerated transmission reinforcement of the Dublin Region
8. Flexible Demand Contracts in the Dublin Region
The proposed development is a direct response and realisation of the above CRU
mitigation measures, and is therefore directly aligned with these. The proposed
development directly facilitates the transfer of generated electricity from an additional
energy infrastructure asset and node to the national grid which supports the CRU
mitigation measures, supports the wider transmission network, and also contributes
towards security of supply through enabling the transfer of prompt production of
energy to support the network during periods of downfall in energy supply from other
sources.
1
Commission for Regulation of Utilities - Dublin Security of Supply: Measures to mitigate the risk of disorderly exit
(05/10/2018) (Reference: CRU/18/228)
Page 20 of 515 PLANNING HISTORY OF SITE & SURROUNDS
As has been previously outlined, there have been four previous planning applications
in the recent past relating to the development of a power generation station on the
overall site – one was refused with a subsequent amended proposal being granted
permission. There is thus a precedent of three previous grants of permission for such
a use on the site, and further detail of these is provided below.
5.1 Parent Permission
Under Meath County Council Register Reference 99/2490, full planning permission
was granted for the development of a 400MW electricity generation plant subject to a
number of conditions. This decision was appealed by third parties to An Bord
Pleanála ABP Register Ref: PL17.118993 with the Board upholding the County
Council’s decision to grant.
Under that final grant of permission, Scottish and Southern Energy (Ireland) Limited
(SSE) and Marathon Ireland were granted full planning permission in September
2000 for a development comprising:
o a 33,000m2 400MW gas fired combined cycle gas turbine electricity
generating plant.
o a turbine building in the centre of the site measuring 76m in length by 33m in
width by 22.5m height.
o 7m diameter stack would be the highest structure on the site at 49.9m.
o A two storey administrative block totalling 2,000m2 in area.
o One row of 15m high hybrid water cooling towers containing 6 cells located in
the eastern portion of the site.
o A water treatment building 18m in height.
o Two raw water storage tanks, one de-mineralized water tank and two distillate
storage tanks, each with a capacity of 4,500m3, measuring 18m in diameter
and 18m in height.
5.2 Amendment Permission
Under Meath County Council Register Reference SA30213, alterations to the
previously approved generating plant were granted permission. Again, following a
third party appeal to An Bord Pleanála ABP Register Ref PL17.204321, the decision
to grant was upheld.
Under that permission, SSE were granted full planning permission in January 2004
by the Board for a development comprising of alterations to a previously approved (as
per planning register reference Meath County Council 99/2490 and An Bord Pleanála
appeal number PL 17.118993) but un-built development consisting of 400 MW
electricity generating plant and associated structures, plant and equipment at the
subject site.
The principle alterations that were the subject of this application included:
o the replacement of the approved water cooling system with an air cooled
condenser (approximate dimensions 70 metres by 70 metres by 34.5 metres
high); and
o increase in the size of the approved surface water attenuation pond (by
approximately 530m2); and
o the relocation of some associated equipment and structures including the
approved pumphouse.
Page 21 of 51In 2003 the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) (now known as the
Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)) – the Irish Energy Market Regulator –
identified the requirement for new generation capacity in Ireland from 2005-2006
onwards. A capacity competition for between 300 MW and 531 MW of new capacity
was run in 2003. Tynagh Energy Limited and Aughinish Alumina were the only two
projects awarded preferred bidder status in November 2003 and removed the need
for a CCGT plant of 400MW in Co Meath. For this reason the above projects did not
proceed.
5.3 Planning Reg Ref SA100263
In 2010, an application for permission to develop a 60MW Open Cycle Gas Turbine
(OCGT) power generation plant was applied for. It consisted of the following:
a 663m2 gas turbine building [approx. 17m wide x 41m length x 7m high]
housing a fully enclosed and roofed turbo generator annexed with a similarly
enclosed maintenance bay
associated exhaust gas stack [approx. 20m high x 2.8m diameter] and other
associated stacks and vents [not exceeding 13m in height]
an associated air filter [approx. 15.5m high x 6.8m wide x 7.67m length]
a compound adjacent to the gas turbine building containing a main and an
auxiliary transformer and a firewater module
a 316m2 office and ancillary services building [approx. 11m wide x 31m length
x 5m high]
2 no. 750m³ volume fuel oil tanks with concrete bund [approx. 7.5m high]
2 no. 560m³ volume raw and treated water storage tanks [approx. 7.5m high]
a new foul sewer pipe connecting to the Duleek sewer system and a new
water pipe
6 no. car parking spaces and misc. site works including an upgraded and
relocated access from the R152 and internal circulation road and hard and
soft landscaping.
Planning permission for the above project was not implemented due to the economic
downturn which resulted in a reduced commercial viability.
5.4 Surrounding Area
In addition to the above on-site applications, a review of all relevant planning
applications for development in the vicinity of the subject site was also conducted
using Meath County Council’s online planning enquiry system. Outline details of
relevant planning applications are set out in Table 1.1 below.
APPLICANT BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF APPLICATION REG. NO. DECISION
DATE
Irish Cement Pre-Application Consultation with ABP: Proposed ABP: 11/12/2018
Limited overburden management facility PL17 .301963
Is not Strat.
Infrast. Dev.
Indaver Ireland 12.15 m high, single storey extension (includes 2 no. FS18022 29/05/2018
Ltd Maintenance access platforms) to North(rear) of
existing facility
Indaver Ireland single storey maintenance store with mezzanine FS16071 12/04/2018
Ltd
Indaver Ireland single storey modular office building (389.7sqm) FS16072 12/04/2018
Ltd
Irish Cement 10-year permission to facilitate further replacement of SID App: 11/04/2018
Limited fossil fuels and allow for the introduction of alternative PL17.PA0050
raw materials in the manufacturing of cement
Page 22 of 51Paul Kavanagh Development consists of the following: Building 1: LB171311 14/02/2018
Test Centre Ltd Retention permission for a 1m wide external corridor
to rear elevation, 4no. Exit doors and a 2.4sqm porch
to the front of building together with permission for
minor alterations to rear elevation. Building 2;
Retention permission for extension of motor factors
building including for tyre store and fitting area. Total
floor area to be retained = 399sqm. Together with
permission for alterations to front elevation, consisting
of the provision of a new exit door. Building 3;
Retention of new storage & workshop building. Total
area to be retained 315sqm. Retention permission is
also being sought for an extension to the existing car
parking area together with permission for alterations to
the internal site traffic management arrangements as
well as the traffic management arrangements to the
R152 boundary
Peter Curran To construct an agricultural shed/grain store and all LB170032 30/06/2017
site works
Irish Cement Pre-Application Consultation with ABP: Proposed ABP: Decision: Is a
Limited development to allow further replacement of fossil PL17 Strat. Infrast.
fuels with alternative fuels and use of alternative raw .PC0221 Dev.
materials at existing cement works
05/05/2017
Donal O'Kane the development will consist of the following: 1. LB161251 17/02/2017
& Elizabeth Construction of 2 no. single storey extensions to rear
Molony of existing dwelling. 2. Construction of new bay
window to side of existing dwelling. 3. Renovations to
existing dwelling. 4. Construction of new car port. 5.
Existing septic tank to be decommissioned and new
proprietary waste water treatment system and
percolation area installed. 6. All associated site works
Board Of development consists of the demolition of existing LB150726 07/10/2015
Management prefabs and the construction of a new detached (GP)
Of Mount General Purpose Room, a new site entrance and
Hanover associated car parking and all associated site works
National School
Irish Cement Development will consist of the installation of a Flue LB150375 09/07/2015
Limited Dust Portland Cement Silo at Kiln 3. The development
will include the provision of a silo of circa 40m in
height and 12m in diameter, together with filter,
access gantries, bucket elevator and truck loading
facility all on an application site of circa 0.75 hectares
located within Platin Cement Works. This application
relates to an activity for which an Industrial Emissions
Licence applies under the Environmental Protection
Acts 1992 as amended. (IE Licence Register Number
P0030-04) (Screening for Appropriate Assessment)
Irish Cement the development will consist of the installation of a LB150279 01/07/2015
Limited waste heat recovery facility on Kiln 3 of the cement
works. The development will include the fitting of 2
heat exchangers to Kiln 3 and the provision of cooling
towers, a turbine/generator building and associated
ancillary plant all on an application site of circa 3.0
hectares located within Platin Cement Works. This
application relates to an activity for which an Industrial
Emissions Licence applies under the Environmental
Protection Acts 1992 as amended (IE Licence
Register Number P0030-04). (An Appropriate
Assessment Report has been submitted with this
application)
Irish Cement the development will consist of the installation of plant LB140962 12/02/2015
Limited, and associated structures, including a storage bay,
intake hopper, conveyors, a 24.2m high stack and an
electrical switch room all for the drying of granulated
blast-furnace slag on an application site of circa 0.48
hectares located within Platin Cement Works (report
Page 23 of 51for Screening for Appropriate Assessment submitted)
Irish Cement development will consist of the demolition of the LB140961 03/02/2015
Limited, previously decommissioned Kiln 1, its associated
preheater tower and related structures on an
application site of circa 0.63 hectares located within
Platin Cement Works. This application relates to an
activity for which an Industrial Emissions Licence
applies under the Environmental Protection Acts 1992
as amended (IE Licence Register Number P0030-04)
(Screening for Appropriate Assessment submitted)
Irish Cement Extension of existing quarry with an increase in MCC: 16/01/2015
Limited extraction area by 40.5 ha. to a depth of 20 metres SA/130769
below OD and the demolition of 3 no. uninhabited ABP:
dwellings, farmhouse and agricultural buildings. PL17.243795
John To construct (1) Refrigerated Potato Store. (2) SA121094 01/11/2013
McGuinness Grading, Packing and distribution store. (3) Covered
bunded Diesel storage facility. (4) Spray storage shed
and all associated site works. Significant further
information/revised plans submitted on this application
Gerry Curran To construct an agricultural shed/grain store and all SA130012 13/06/2013
site works. Significant further information/revised
plans submitted on this application
Irish Cement variation to existing planning permission SA/803066 at SA120301 11/07/2012
Ltd., Platin Cement Works, Duleek, County Meath. The
existing permission allows for the co-firing, with
traditional fuels of up to 90,000 tonnes per annum of
solid recovered fuels, 40,000 tonnes per annum of
meat and bone meal and 30,000 tonnes per annum of
chipped used tyres. The co-firing of these 3 alternative
fuels is subject to a maximum permitted total of
120,000 tonnes per annum for all alternative fuels
used in combination. The proposed application seeks
to allow for the co-firing of up to 120,000 tonnes per
annum of solid recovered fuels. No change is
proposed to the existing permitted maximum total of
120,000 tonnes per annum for all alternative fuels
used. Likewise, no change is proposed to the existing
permitted maximum quantities of 40,000 tonnes per
annum for meat and bone meal or 30,000 tonnes per
annum for chipped used tyres. No new buildings,
structures, or other works are proposed. No changes
to existing buildings, structures or processes are
proposed. No processing of alternative fuels will take
place on site and no residues will arise from their use.
The application area extends to 0.602 hectares. This
application relates to an activity for which an
Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Licence
applies under the Environmental Protection Acts 1992
to 2011 (IPPC Licence Register Number P0030-04)
Thomas a change of site layout from that previously granted SA110616 27/09/2011
McGuinness under SA/101350 and as described as The
(Jnr) development will consist of (1) Domestic Garage (2)
One and a half storey style residence, Oakstown BAF
sewerage treatment system and percolation area. And
all associated site works
J.P. Collins Retention of a constructed dwelling house and access SA110340 12/07/2011
lane to same, revised site boundaries and site layout
including completion of all works. Permission sought
for wastewater treatment unit and percolation area to
serve dwelling and all associated site works
David construction of 3 number polytunnels (total area 270m SA100876 25/10/2010
McGuiness sq), for landscape business, Storage shed (total area
(Carranstown 230m sq) ancillary to landscaping business, including
Landscape) staff accommodation, surfaced yard, staff car parking,
utilizing the existing adjacent site entrance,
wastewater treatment system and percolation area
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