Carlow County Council refuses permission for 63 MW solar farm at Rathrush Emlicon and Bendinstown, Ballon, 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 31 July 2025. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

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

for a ten-year planning permission for a renewable energy development comprising the construction of a c. 63MW solar farm of 118.9ha and associated works in the Townlands of Rathrush, Emlicon and Bendinstown, Co Carlow. The proposed development will consist of: • A c. 63MW solar farm comprising ground mounted solar photovoltaic panels. • 15 No. Invertor Combiner Kiosk /Transformers and hardstands. • 1 No. Ring Main Unit. • 2 No. spare parts storage containers. • Provision of site access tracks and upgrading of existing tracks. • Underground cabling within the solar farm site, in private lands and under the L7111, L7114, L7115 local roads to connect the solar farm field parcels, and to connect the solar farm to the permitted Garreenleen Substation. • 3 No. temporary construction compounds. • Demolition of derelict agricultural building and disused silage storage structure. • Upgrading and widening works at Site entrances. • All ancillary development including such as an up to 2.4m high stock proof fence, CCTV and drainage infrastructure. This application is seeking a ten-year permission and a 35-year operational period from the date of overall commissioning of the solar farm. This application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement (NIS)