Carlow County Council refuses permission for 192-hectare solar farm at Ballybar Upper Ballyloo Ballyryan, Garryhundon and Linkardstown, Co. Carlow

In context

It is one of 2 solar farm applications Carlow County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 335 nationally. Of the 573 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 92% were granted.

What happens next

The applicant, or anyone who made a submission on the application, can appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála within four weeks of 25 March 2025. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues. The applicant sought a 10-year permission, which sets how long they have to start the development.

The development description, as lodged

Verbatim from the Carlow County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

A 10 Year Planning Permission for a solar farm with a total area of circa 192 hectares. The solar farm will consist of solar panels on ground mounted frames, 30 no. single storey electrical inverter/transformer stations, 4 no. single storey spare parts containers, 4 no. Ring Main Units, 8 no. weather stations, underground electrical ducting and cabling within the development site, private lands and within the L3051, L3052 and L3050 public roads to connect solar farm field parcels, security fencing, CCTV, access tracks, 2 no. stream deck crossings and 1 no. horizontal directional drill, temporary construction compounds, landscaping and all associated ancillary development and drainage works. Construction and operational access will be via 4 no. entrances from the L3051, L3052 and L3050. The operational lifespan of the solar farm will be 40 years and planning permission is requested for this duration. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application