Battery energy storage plant proposed at Rahanisky (townland), Whitechurch, Co. Cork

In context

It is one of 14 battery storage applications Cork County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 57 nationally. Of the 70 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 79% were granted.

What happens next

Anyone can make a submission or observation to Cork County Council until 29 October 2026, for a fee of €20. Only those who make a submission can later appeal the decision. The council is due to decide by 19 November 2026, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

How to make a submission

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 the construction of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility, co-located with the Solar PV development permitted under Planning Ref. No. 23/04245, comprising 48 no. single-storey BESS units, 4 no. single-storey power conversion system (PCS) units, 4 no. single-storey transformer stations, 1 no. firewater storage tank, underground cabling, internal access tracks, security fencing and gate, landscaping, and all associated site and development works including the reuse of excavated material on site to form an earthen berm along the northern and western boundaries of the BESS compound. The BESS compound has a site area of approximately 0.61ha. Permission is also sought for the upgrade of a portion of the access track previously permitted under Planning Ref. No. 23/04245 to a tarmac finish and the addition of 1 no. single-storey spare parts storage container within the boundary of the permitted Solar PV development. The total site development area amounts to approximately 0.93ha.