Public meeting to debate proposed gas-fired power plant near county Meath village

Dublin-based firm Polarisgate Limited has outlined its intention to seek a 10-year planning permission for a 180 Megawatt gas fired peaking power plant on a near 20 acre site at Curraghtown, Brownstown, Navan.

The application, subject to approval, would bring with it the granting of a 40 year operating licence and provide back-up electricity to the national grid.

The development will consist of three open cycle gas turbine (OCGT) units, operating as a dispatchable peaking plant. Each will have an electrical capacity of 60MW.

In a planning and environmental report accompanying the plans, Polarisgate Ltd are described as being a "well-established Irish owned" renewable energy company with "extensive experience in the development of wind farm projects throughout Ireland.

Most recently, the company developed three wind farms in Co Kilkenny and Co Mayo and secured planning for wind farms in counties Donegal, Kilkenny, and Mayo.

It's envisaged the proposed plant will also have capacity to store 5,500m3 of diesel as its secondary fuel supply with the construction phase lasting approximately 18 months.

A Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) has also been submitted together with a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) ahead of Meath County Council's decision which is expected by December 5.

Ahead of that ruling, Kentstown's Old School Hall hosted a public meeting on Tuesday and before a deadline for public submissions is due to expire next Thursday (November 14).

"This proposal has raised substantial community interest due to its potential impacts on air quality, noise, and environmental sustainability, along with provisions for future expansion that could increase these effects," said an organising spokesperson ahead of last night's meeting.

"The meeting will offer a forum for residents to express their concerns and ask questions about the project's implications."