7.5-hectare solar farm proposed at Curraleigh, Inniscarra, 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.

Amarenco Solar Inniscarra Limited intend to apply for planning permission for development of lands (c. 7.5ha) at Curraleigh, Inniscarra, Co. Cork. The development will consist of: A 10-year permission for a solar farm and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility within a total development area of 7.5ha comprising: photovoltaic panels on ground-mounted frames. The solar panels are arranged within a site area of c. 7.402 ha, with an expected lifespan of 40 years. The proposed development represents an extension to the solar farm previously permitted under Reg Ref. No.’s 15/06625, 21/04505, and 22/04909. 1 no. single-storey solar PV transformer station, 12 no. single-storey BESS containers arranged within a site of c. 0.098 ha, 1 no. single-storey BESS Transformer, 1 no. single-storey Power Conversion System Skid (PCS Skid), 1 no. single-storey spare parts storage container, internal access tracks, fencing, CCTV, landscaping, and all associated site and development works. This development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive(EU)2023/2024) 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. When 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.