MLA dismay over ‘Solar’ talks refusal

The comment came from SF MLA Daithí McKay who said the Minister also turned down his invitation to meet with Rasharkin residents about a similar development being proposed there.

Mr McKay said: “I am disappointed that the Minister is not willing to discuss this policy area at all with residents in Rasharkin and Kells. These are the first proposals for large scale solar farms in Ireland! People living in these communities in North Antrim are not opposed to solar farms or solar energy but they do want to meet with the Minister concerning how planning policy will protect communities from over-proliferation. I have seen a number of cases in parts of Ireland and elsewhere where a lack of proper regulation from the outset has led to entire communities turning from a position of supporting renewables to opposing them. That is not what I want to see happen here,” said Mr McKay.