Battery energy storage plant proposed at Midleton, Co. Cork

In context

It is one of 13 battery storage applications Cork County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 59 nationally. Of the 72 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 78% were granted.

What happens next

The five-week window for public submissions has closed. The council is due to decide by 28 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 an electrical storage facility within a site area of up to 4.2 hectares and comprise a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) compound to include: battery units and inverters with connecting cabling; switchroom and diesel generator; two steel storage containers; modular office and welfare building; crane hardstanding; 262 metre length internal access tracks and up to four parking bays; foul and surface water drainage system including attenuation pond; palisade security fencing; landscaping; CCTV system; approximately 90 metre length 33kV double-circuit underground grid connection cable to the adjacent permitted Rathcoursey 110kV substation (An Coimisiún Pleanála Reference. ABP 318685-23) and associated electrical ducting; and all ancillary development. Vehicular access to the development will occur via the permitted Rathcoursey 110kV substation access tracks (ABP-318685-23). A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted to the planning authority with the application. The Natura Impact Statement will be available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy during the office hours at the office of the relevant planning authority. 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.