Galway County Council grants permission for 75 MW solar farm at near Creggs, Co. Galway

In context

It is one of 12 solar farm applications Galway County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 351 nationally. Of the 572 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 February 2024. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues. The applicant sought a 10-year permission, which sets how long they have to start the development.

The development description, as lodged

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

for a 10 year planning permission for the development of a solar PV farm at a site in the townlands of Cuilnacappy, Park, Moneenroe & Gortnalavey, near Creggs village, Co. Galway. The solar farm will have an operational lifespan of 40 years & a maximum export capacity of 75MW of electricity. The development will comprise the installation of photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames in rows, ancillary cabling & electrical infrastructure including approx. 18no. inverter station locations (with option for two stations at each location), ducting & underground cabling; provision of new internal access tracks; storage containers; perimeter fencing, pole mounted CCTV cameras; vehicular access via 2no. access points, one comprising an upgrade of an existing agricultural access directly to the L2316 & one via an upgraded existing private road which adjoins the L2316 adjacent to its junction with the R362; proposed new passing bay on this private road; 1no. further alternative vehicular access point at a new vehicular entrance to the L2316; & all associated site development & landscaping works, all on a site of approx. 107.4ha. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in relation to the project & will be submitted to the planning authority with the planning application