Solar farm proposed at Killee, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork

In context

It is one of 53 solar farm applications Cork County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 352 nationally. Of the 564 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 92% were granted.

What happens next

Anyone can make a submission or observation to Cork County Council until 18 November 2026, for a fee of €20. Only those who make a submission can later appeal the decision. The council is due to decide by 9 December 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.

(i) the installation of two ground-mounted solar photovoltaic arrays with a combined output of approximately 580kW, comprising Phase 1 of approximately 250kW (380 no. solar panels) and Phase 2 of approximately 330kW (500 no. solar panels), mounted on concrete ballast block foundations, together with wall-mounted inverters on an existing farm building, underground cable ducting alongside existing internal farm roads, fencing and all associated site works, for the purpose of generating renewable electricity for use within the existing agricultural holding, and (ii) the construction of a dry feed store (approximately 521m²) with 138 no. roof-mounted solar panels, for the storage of dry feed and agricultural inputs. The proposed development is for the purposes of an activity requiring an industrial emissions licence (EPA Reg. No. P0374-01). This development (renewable energy development and relevant solar energy 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. 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.