109-hectare solar farm proposed at Ballycar Lislea Killulla, Co. Clare

In context

It is one of 8 solar farm applications Clare 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 five-week window for public submissions has closed. The council normally decides within eight weeks of the application being lodged, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

The development description, as lodged

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

for the development at this site at the townlands of Ballycar, lislea, Kilulla, Mogullaan and Crossagh, Rathlaheen South, Culleen, Drumline and Ballycasey Beg, Co Clare The development will consist of an application for a 10-year development phase followed by a 40-year operational lifespan for a solar farm on a site encompassing approximately 109 hectares. The proposed development includes the installation of ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on steel frames accross the site. The project will incorporate 256 inverters arranged in a series string configuration, supported by 24 electrical skid hardstands that will house transformer units and a ring main unit facility. The development also entails the construction of a transformer compound to facilitate a connection to the existing 110kV Drumline Substation. An internal network cable will be installed to enable an under-the-fence connection from the on-site transformer compound to the adjacent substation. The transformer compound will include an Independent Power Producer (IPP) building, a 110kV transformer, and an 18 metre-high lightning monopole mast. Approximately 8.6 Kilometres of new and upgraded internal access tracks will be developed to provide connectivity within the site. Six new site entrances are proposed, including modification to existing junctions to accommodate construction access and the delivery of abnormal loads. These access points will connnect to Local Roads (L3166, Ballycar Road L3174 and L3136) and the Regional Road R458. All new entrances will link directly to the public road network. This application seeks approval for all associated site development and ancillary works necessary to support the successful delivery and operation of the proposed solar farm. A Natura Impact Statement will also be submitted to the Planning Authority with this application