Clare County Council grants permission for 95-hectare solar farm at Mogullaan Crossagh, Rathlaheen South Culleen, Co. Clare

In context

It is one of 9 solar farm applications Clare 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 14 November 2025. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

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 this site at the townlands of Mogullaan, Crossagh, Rathlaheen South, Culleen, Drumline and Ballycasey Beg, Co Clare. Planning Permission is sought for a duration of 10 years, with an operational life of 35 years from the date of commissioning. The proposed development comprises the construction and operation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm on a site of approximately 95 hectares. The project includes: (i) Ground-mounted solar arrays supported by steel frames, with an internal network cable facilitating connection to the Drumline 110kV substation. An internal network cable will be installed to enable an under-the-fence connection from the onsite 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. (ii) Underground electrical cabling and ducting, security fencing, CCTV stands. (iii) New internal access tracks and site entrance. (iv) Site drainage. (v) All ancillary site development works and apparatus. A Natura Impact Statement will also be submitted to the Planning Authority with this application