Battery energy storage plant proposed at Ballynanelagh Knockraha, Co. Cork

In context

It is one of 13 battery storage applications Cork County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 58 nationally. Of the 72 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 78% were granted.

What happens next

The five-week window for public submissions has closed. The council is due to decide by 9 January 2025, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

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 1 no. enclosed battery energy storage system compound on a total of c. 2 hectare site, to include: Battery storage blocks on concrete support foundations with Power Conversion Systems (PCS) contained within 16 units, 1 no. 110 kV AIS electrical substation building and 1 no. single storey customer substation building, control and switch room, 33/110 kV transformer and 1 no. auxiliary transformers, construction compound, firewater reservoir, store room, welfare unit, dam along the northern boundary, a retention basin, soakage swale and a diesel backup generator. Planning permission application also includes access roads and a site entrance, all associated electrical cabling and ducting and associated works including gates, fencing and security. The proposed development will have a projected life span of 35 years.