150 MW solar farm proposed at Derryroe, Macroom and Kilberrihert, 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 five-week window for public submissions has closed. The council is due to decide by 17 September 2026, 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.

The development will consist of the following elements: i. A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility with a storage capacity of 130-150 MW, consisting of battery containers with HVAC units, transformers, inverters, underground cabling, 2 No. associated control rooms, internal access routes, parking, lighting, CCTV, lightning masts, fencing. ii. A solar PV array with an export capacity of 3 MW, comprising of ground-mounted panels on metal frames, together with associated inverters, transformer station, lighting, CCTV, fencing and internal electrical and communications cabling. iii. Operations and Electrical Compound consisting of: a) Low voltage operations compound including three (3) operations containers (switchgear room, control & metering room and communications room), outdoor electrical plant, above ground and underground cabling, lighting, CCTV, diesel generator and diesel tank, welfare and office container, storage containers and waste storage areas, and adjoining; b) High voltage electrical compound (TSO and IPP compound) comprising outdoor electrical plant, transformers, cabling, lighting, CCTV, lightning masts, fencing. iv. Underground high voltage electrical cable to facilitate a connection to the existing 110/220kV Clashavoon substation. v. New entrances and access roads (1 No. main access and 1 No. emergency access) to the site from the L7473 local road including 1 no. stream crossing; and vi. all associated drainage and ancillary works necessary to facilitate the development A 10 year permission and a 40 year operational period is sought in respect of this planning application. 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 section 34D(b), the provisions of article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 shall apply.