Galway City Council grants permission for 2.6-hectare solar farm at the Coolough Road (L-1005), Galway city

In context

It is one of 5 solar farm applications Galway City Council has received in the past twelve months, against 335 nationally. Of the 573 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 92% were granted.

What happens next

The applicant, or anyone who made a submission on the application, can appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála within four weeks of 8 April 2025. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

Verbatim from the Galway City Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

LRD Permission for development which consists of; 1. demolition of 2 no. existing dwellings and ancillary structures located centrally within the site and demolition of the partial building ruins located in the south-eastern portion of the site. 2. construction of a student accommodation scheme comprising 84 no. apts 3. the proposed accommodation scheme is arranged in 7 no. blocks which vary in height from part 2 storey/3 storey building to 4 storey with a 5 storey set back on block d. 4. provision of communal facilities on the ground floor of block a including a retail space measuring 77sqm and a café measuring 81.7sqm, with associated signage 5. provision of communal open space and outdoor recreational areas internal and external (visitor) bicycle, refuse storage, car parking, public lighting, wayfinding signage and photovoltaic panels, 6. the provision of hard and soft landscaping and boundary treatments including an elevated mesh walkway (82 metres) and a bridge spanning the limestone pavement in the north western portion of the site 7. provision of vehicular entrance and 2 no. pedestrian/cyclist entrances from the Coolough Road and the provision of a toucan pedestrian crossing on the Coolough Road 8. road improvement works along the Dyke Road 9. the proposed scheme will be utilised for short term visitor letting during the summer months 10. provision of associated surface water, watermain and foul water drainage services and connections, ESB substation and all associated site works and ancillary services - Please refer to the submitted statutory notices for the complete development description (full description is in excess of the character limit)