Cork County Council refuses permission for 13.8 MW solar farm at Berrings Near Berrings, Co. Cork

In context

It is one of 52 solar farm applications Cork County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 337 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 3 December 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.

The development will consist of: The development and operation of a c.13.8MW solar photovoltaic (PV) farm at a 21.25ha site located off the L2760. The application seeks a 10-year permission with an operational lifetime of 35 years and includes: • Approximately 37, 000 solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted metal frames including string inverters mounted to the rear of the panels, with a maximum table height above ground of approximately 2.7 metres; • 1 no. 38kV substation including 1 no. MV switch room, 1 no. IPP control room, 1 no. ESB switch room and associated electrical infrastructure; • 3 no. transformer units; • Underground cabling and ducting; • 1 no. temporary construction compound and ancillary facilities for the duration of the construction phase of the project; • Perimeter fencing; • CCTV; • Construction and operational access provided from the existing site entrance off the L2760; • Internal tracks, site landscaping and all associated site enabling and site development works