Carlow County Council grants permission for 6.1-hectare solar farm at Chapelstown Staplestown and Ballinacarrig, Co. Carlow

In context

It is one of 2 solar farm applications Carlow County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 333 nationally. Of the 572 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 12 December 2024. 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.

the demolition of all existing structures within the Tinryland Wastewater Treatment Plant and the construction on an extended site (0.09 ha in total) which will consist of a new pumping station (17m2), new below-ground storm tank (total storage of 123m³), replacement welfare facility (33m2), ground-mounted photovoltaic array (83 m2), new palisade perimeter fencing (2.4m high) and associated works; the construction of a new rising main and gravity main (3.7km in length) along the Nurney Road, L1023 and N80, connecting to the existing wastewater sewer at Ballinacarrig; and all ancillary and associated temporary works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application