Clare County Council grants permission for 50 MW solar farm at Lands at, Coolshamroge, Co. Clare

In context

It is one of 9 solar farm applications Clare 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 12 March 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 Clare County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

for development which will consist of a 10-year permission for a Synchronous Condenser and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) across a site of approximately 2.97 hectares, co-located with an existing solar farm. The development will have an operational capacity of c. 50 MW and will consist of the construction of battery energy storage system units, power conversion units, a synchronous condenser, control modules and rooms, transformers and bunds, cooling equipment, a generator circuit breaker, an emergency diesel generator with associated fuel tank, water tank, underground cabling, fencing with access gates, CCTV and lighting posts, a temporary construction compound, new and upgraded access tracks, and associated landscaping, and ancillary works. The development would be in operation for up to 30 years. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been submitted with this application. This development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive (EU) 2023/2413) and it is important to note that the planning application may be subject to section 34D of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. When a notice issues in accordance with section 34D(b), the provisions of article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 shall apply.