Cork City Council refuses permission for 44.4-hectare solar farm at Ballinvuskig, Douglas, Cork city

In context

There were 349 nationally in the past twelve months. 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 20 December 2023. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

Verbatim from the Cork City Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

Permission for development at a c. 44.4 ha site at Ballinvuskig, Douglas, Co. Cork. The development will consist of modifications to the permitted solar farm (Pl. Ref. No: 19/5371, ABP Ref. PL04.305186). The proposed modifications are entirely within the boundary of the permitted development and will consist of: (I) The exclusion of the permitted 38kV substation and grid connection which comprised of a loop in to the existing 38kV overhead line on site; (II) The exclusion of the permitted battery storage unit and container unit; (III) A reduction in number of inverter/transformer stations from 12 no. permitted to 8 no. inverter/transformer stations; (IV) The provision of a ring main unit to facilitate the connection of Ballinvuskig solar farm to a proposed 110kV substation at Ballinrea Co. Cork; (V) Assorted changes to the internal access tracks and the layout and dimensions of their permitted photovoltaic panels which will increase the solar photovoltaic footprint from c. 178,600 sq.m of ground mounted solar panels to c. 188,000 sq.m of ground mounted solar panels; and (VI) All associated site works and ancillary infrastructure. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development and the NIS will be submitted to the planning authority with the application.