Over 300 submissions have been lodged with Tipperary County Council in relation to a planning application for what has been described as "one of the largest solar farms ever planned in Ireland".
Power Capital Renewable Energy Limited have lodged plans to develop a solar farm near the village of Dualla in Co Tipperary.
The company is seeking a 10-year planning permission to develop the farm on a 129-hectare site on the outskirts of the village of Dualla.
The plans were lodged with the Council early last month. But they have been met with growing opposition locally.
Several public meetings have been held in the village where locals expressed their concerns regarding the plans.
Now over 300 submissions have been lodged with the local authority.
In their submission the Dualla Community Association claimed that there had been no consultation by the developers with the local community.
The DCA also raised concerns regarding the possible negative impact of the proposed development on house prices and on tourism in the area. It also raised concerns regarding the size of the proposed solar farm and its associated glint or glare and the farm's possible impact on water quality.
The Dualla Community Association stated: "We are concerned about what the generational impact will be to the community and the effect the solar farm will have on growing our community into the future. We would like to repeat that we strongly object to this planning application for both the village and the surrounding areas, the affect that it will have on the next generations in our community will be lasting and impactful."
Local resident George McGrath said that Dualla was a small rural community and that locals feel that this project is not suitable for the area.
"A have never seen such unity among the community. There is about 250 people living in the village and we are steadfast that this type of development should not go ahead in this small rural area. We don’t see any benefit to the community and there is no long-term jobs in this for our community."
Uisce Éireann have also raised concerns regarding the planned solar farm. In its submission it states: "UÉ has concerns of the potential effects the proposed development within the zone of contribution may have on the Dualla Water abstraction borehole."
Local elected representatives have also made submissions on the plans.
A decision from Tipperary County Council on the planning application is expected before the end of this month.
