Cork County Council grants permission for 9-hectare solar farm at Farrangalway Mellifontstown Kinsale Co.Cork, 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 15 September 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.

10 Year Planning permission for a solar farm with a total area of circa 9 hectares. The solar farm will consist of solar panels on ground mounted frames, 2 no. single storey electrical inverter/transformer stations, 2 no. containerised energy storage modules, 1 no. single storey spare parts container, 1 no. medium voltage control/switching substation (comprising either single-storey building or 2 no. modular units), 1 no. weather station, underground electrical ducting and cabling within the development site, security fencing, CCTV, access tracks, temporary construction compound, landscaping and all associated ancillary development and drainage works. Construction and operational access will be via 1 no. existing entrance from the L7247. The operational lifespan of the solar farm will be 40 years and planning permission is requested for the duration.