Battery energy storage plant proposed at Newtown, North Road, Co. Dublin

In context

There were 58 nationally in the past twelve months. 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 Fingal County Council until 25 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 13 November 2026, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

How to make a submission

The development description, as lodged

Verbatim from the Fingal County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

The construction, operation and decommissioning of a battery energy storage system (BESS), that comprises of one of three battery technology options (Technology Option 1, Technology Option 2 or Technology Option 3). The technology options for the Project comprise of the following parameters: • Technology Option 1: 18 BESS units (4.2 m H × 2.7 m W × 7.6 m L); 9 MV stations (2.8 m H × 2.2 m W × 8.6 m L); Design Layout 1 (Drawing No. 24052-202). • Technology Option 2: 18 BESS units (4.2 m H × 2.5 m W × 6.1 m L); 9 MV stations (2.9 m H × 2.5 m W × 6.1 m L); Design Layout 2 (Drawing No. 24052-203). • Technology Option 3: 16 BESS units (3.2 m H × 2.5 m W × 6.1 m L); 2 MV stations (2.9 m H × 2.5 m W × 12.2 m L); Design Layout 3 (Drawing No. 24052-204) Construction elements for the proposed project include: • Site access track, hardstanding area, foundations for the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Medium Voltage (MV) stations, BESS switch room building, control building, welfare and spare parts building, 38kV transformer and associated bund, earth and Low Voltage (LV) transformer, Distribution System Operator (DSO) substation, associated drainage infrastructure, and all ancillary works; • Installation of BESS units and MV stations; installation of underground power and communications cables between the BESS, MV stations, DSO substation, and control building; • Construction, use, and decommissioning of a temporary site compound to facilitate the works, along with the construction of a new site entrance; • Provision of a grid connection route from the DSO substation to the Finglas 220/38kV substation; and • All associated site works, including site clearance, ancillary development (such as site drainage), installation of security gates and fencing, permanent and temporary signage. The proposed site will be used as a single purpose site as a BESS facility, supporting the decarbonisation of the electrical grid. Permission is sought for the proposed development for a period of 10 years, with an operational period of 40 years.