Cork County Council refuses permission for battery energy storage plant at Cobh Co.Cork, Co. Cork

In context

It is one of 14 battery storage applications Cork County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 60 nationally. Of the 72 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 78% 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 22 November 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 County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

The proposed development will consist of; 1) the construction of a stationary battery energy storage system which will include 154 no. 20ft. containers and 22 no. medium voltage transformers and connection to the existing substation, 2) the construction of a new internal access road, to connect to an internal road previously permitted under application register reference: 19/6783, which will connect to an existing internal road on the Marino Point site, with access from an existing entrance on the R624, 3) heating, ventilation and air condition units and all other associated site, boundary and development works. A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared in respect of the proposed development and will be submitted to the planning authority with this application.