A GROUP of breeders and horse owners in Co Kildare are considering their next move having failed to prevent contentious plans for a new power plant near Two Mile House getting the green light.

This follows An Coimisiún Pleanála [ACP] granting planning permission to Strategic Power Projects Ltd for a 212MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Dunnstown in rural Co Kildare despite considerable opposition from the racing and bloodstock community.

John Malone, the US-based owner of Castlemartin Stud, was among the objectors.

His appeal included a submission from leading veterinary surgeon Des Leadon. Among those to make observations on the appeals were Peter Dillon of Harristown Commons Stud, Susanne Quinn of Broadfield Stud, Martin Flinter and Maureen Roche Flinter of Harristown Manor Stables and Evelyn, Jennifer and Vivien Cullen of Middlelane Farm.

The decision by ACP appears to bring to an end a long-running planning saga for the project proposed for a site located two kilometres south of Two Mile House and five kilometres from Kilcullen.

An Bord Pleanála [ABP] previously granted planning permission to the project in September 2022 but a High Court judicial review challenge taken by local residents resulted in the court quashing the ABP grant of permission.

The case was remitted to ACP and it has now cleared the way for the power plant.

ACP has granted planning permission after its inspector in the case, Jim Egan concluded that it is unlikely that the project would cause any adverse impacts on the operation of equine or stud businesses in the area, nor damage to the reputation of the industry.

Malone’s appeal pointed out that the project is in the centre of the Kildare equine industry and close to Castlemartin Demesne.

The appeal raised concerns over the significant reputational damage and negative impacts on the wider equine industry locally and nationally if the power plant was to proceed.

A veterinary medicine equine report by Dr Celia Marr was also lodged with ACP on behalf of the Castlemartin appeal.

Des Leadon, on behalf of the Irish Equine Centre, pointed to the project impacts on around 32 stud farms in the immediate locale and that the planned power plant was located within the heart of Ireland’s bloodstock industry and expressed concerns about significant adverse impacts on reputation, investment and employment.

In response to the appeal, the applicant outlined that there is no evidence submitted to show that the project would undermine the economic viability of stud farms or cause reputational damage.

Strategic Power Projects Ltd identified that there are 12 studs within five kilometres of the site and that the nearest stud is the Mylerstown Stud, located two kilometres to the north.

The applicants stated that on this basis, the BESS facility nor access to it would cause any visual impact on existing studs.

One of the groups to oppose the BESS, Two Mile House Says No (TMHSN) has stated that it is reviewing the decision with its experts and legal advisers.