8.7-hectare solar farm proposed at Gortnagross, Mallow, 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 five-week window for public submissions has closed. The council normally decides within eight weeks of the application being lodged, 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.

A 10-year permission for a solar farm consisting of solar photovoltaic panels on ground-mounted frames, one single-storey transformer station, internal access tracks, security fencing, CCTV, landscaping, and all associated site development works. The proposed development represents an extension to the solar farm permitted under Cork County Council Planning Permission References: 15/7003, 22/5174 and 21/4498. The solar panels and associated infrastructure are arranged within a total developable site area (including ancillary works) of 8.72 ha at Gortnagross, Mallow, Co. Cork. This development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive (EU) 2023/2413) and it is important to note that the planning application may be subject to section 34D of the Planning and Development Act, as amended. When a notice issues in accordance with sections 34D(b), the provision of article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 shall apply.