Cork County Council grants permission for 46.7-hectare solar farm at Corrin, Kill Saint Anne North, 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 14 July 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.

Permission for 10-year permission for a solar farm consisting of solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames, 4 single storey transformer stations, 4 single storey spare parts storage containers, 1 single storey MV electrical kiosk, a 38kV substation compound with 1 single storey substation building, underground electrical ducting, cabling and joint bays within the development site and within the L-1520-11, L1520-39, L-1518-0, L5789-0 and L-1517-0 public roads to connect the solar farm field parcels, a new entrance off the L-5720-11, a new entrance off the L-5170-0, upgrading of an existing agricultural entrance off the L-1520-11, internal access tracks, security fencing, CCTV, landscaping and all associated development site works at corrin, Kill Saint Anne North, Clykeel North, Ballinvarrig East, Ballinvarrig West, Deerpark, Knockaduff, Kill Saint Anne South, Ballyarra, Mohera, Spurree (townlands), Castlelyons, Fermoy, Co. Cork. The solar panels are arranged within a site area covering approximately 41.72ha, the site area within the public road is approximately 4.9ha. The total development area (including ancillary works) amounts to approximately 46.66ha. A Natrua Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted to the planning authority with this application. The Natrua Impact Statement will be available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy during office hours at the office of the Planning Authority.