Cork County Council grants permission for 7.5 MW solar farm at Danone Factory, Inchinashingane, Co. Cork

In context

It is one of 52 solar farm applications Cork County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 339 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 26 August 2026. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

Verbatim from the Cork County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

Danone Infant Nutrition Macroom Limited, intends to apply to the above-named Planning Authority for planning permission for a development at lands located immediately to the east of the existing Danone Factory, Inchinashingane, Macroom, Co. Cork, P12 XW40. Planning permission was previously granted by Cork County Council on 21 June 2024 under Planning Register Reference 23/05350 for a ground mounted solar photovoltaic development on the site. The current application seeks permission for a revised solar photovoltaic development, due to changes in the size and layout of the proposed installation. The proposed development will consist of the installation of a ground mounted solar photovoltaic array with an approximate capacity of 7.50 MWp (approximately 6.00 MW), comprising approximately 11,816 photovoltaic panels within a site area of approximately 11.43 hectares. The photovoltaic panels will be mounted on steel support tables fixed into the ground, arranged in rows, set at an inclined angle of 15 degrees. The mounting structures will have a typical maximum height of approximately 3.8 metres and a minimum height of approximately 0.8 metres above ground level. The development will include associated inverters, transformers, underground direct current and alternating current cabling, internal access tracks, perimeter security fencing with wildlife access points, CCTV where required, drainage works, and all associated site development works. The development will also include a temporary construction compound and welfare facilities during the construction phase. Danone Infant Nutrition Macroom Limited currently operates under an Integrated Pollution, Prevention and Control Licence (IPCC Licence) and an Industrial Emissions Directive Licence (IED) 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 2000, as amended. Where a notice issues in accordance with Section 34D(b), the provisions of Article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 shall apply.