Cork County Council grants permission for wind farm grid connection works at Esk South Glannaharee West, Co. Cork

In context

It is one of 8 wind energy applications Cork County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 61 nationally. Of the 84 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 74% 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 May 2024. 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 Cork County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

10 Year Planning permission for a solar array with a total area of circa 16 hectares. The development will consist of solar panels on ground mounted frames, 2 no. single storey control cabins with associated electrical transformer unit and hardstand areas, 1 no. ring main unit, underground cabling within the solar array site to connect solar array field parcels, 33kV underground grid connection cabling to the existing Bweeng 38kV substation (within Esk windfarm), security fencing, CCTV, access tracks (upgrade of existing and new), upgrades to existing agricultural field entrance on the L5258, landscaping and all associated ancillary apparatus and development works. Operational access will be via the entrance from the L5258. The solar array will connect to the national grid and will have an operational lifespan of 40 years. Planning permission is requested for this duration. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and will be submitted to the planning authority with the application.