Cork County Council grants permission for 11.3-hectare solar farm at Derrigra West Ballineen, Co. Cork

In context

It is one of 52 solar farm applications Cork 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 30 March 2025. 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.

A 10 year permission for a solar farm consisting of solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames, 1 single-storey substation, 1 single storey control room, 1 single-storey transformer station, 1 single-storey spare parts storage container, 1 clear-span bridge, internal access tracks, security fencing, CCTV, landscaping and all associated development site works. The solar panels are arranged within a total developable site area (including ancillary works) of 11.34ha