Carlow County Council refuses permission for 3.8-hectare solar farm at Gilbertstown and Bendinstown, Ireland, Co. Carlow

In context

It is one of 2 solar farm applications Carlow County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 337 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 February 2026. 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 permission for a Battery Energy Storage system. The proposed development will comprise of the following; A Battery Energy Storage System with associated infrastructure including a new internal access road, approximately 50 metres in length to the permitted Garreenleen Solar Farm (Planning Ref. 22163); An approximately 90 metre 33kV double circuit underground cable grid connection to the permitted Bendinstown 110kV Substation (Planning Ref. ABP–313139), to be installed in an excavated trench including underground ducting; Modular office and welfare buildings; Six steel storage containers and all associated site development and reinstatement works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and is included with this planning application.