Galway County Council refuses permission for 4-hectare solar farm at Glenloughaun, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

In context

It is one of 13 solar farm applications Galway County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 337 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 21 January 2026. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

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

for the construction of an anaerobic digestion facility to produce renewable biomethane, CO2 (which will be captured), and a bio-based fertiliser from organic material. The development is a renewable energy development which is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III. The development will consist of the following: Demolition and site clearance works including the removal of an existing shed and adjacent hard standing areas and tank structure, located centrally on the site. Construction of 2 no. primary digesters, a pump house, and 2 no. post digester tanks, located in the northwestern section of the site. Construction of 2 no. prepits, a pasteurisation buffer tank, and a pasteurisation unit, located to south of the primary digesters, within the western section of the site. Construction of a digestate storage tank located centrally on site, to the southeast of the primary and post digester tanks. Construction of a digestate treatment building and a feedstock reception building with an odour abatement system, located in the southwestern section of site. Construction of combined heat and power (CHP) unit, a biogas boiler, a backup boiler, and a gas treatment system, located in the southeast section of the site. Construction of a CO2 liquefactor and an emergency/ safety flare a grid injection unit, a fuel storage tank and a propane tank compound accommodating 2 no. propane tanks, located in the southern section of the site. Construction of roofed silage clamps located centrally on site. Construction of a two storey office building and an ESB substation within the eastern section of the site, adjacent to the site entrance. Alterations to the adjacent local road frontage including improved access arrangements and boundary setback to allow for improved access and safety. Associated and ancillary works including parking (8 no. standard, 3 no. EV and 1 no. accessible parking spaces and bike storage for 12 no. bikes), a weighbridge, solar PV arrays at roof level, wastewater treatment equipment, bunding and surface treatments, attenuation pond, boundary treatments, lighting, services, drainage, landscaping, and all associated and ancillary works. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted with this planning application. An EPA-Industrial Emissions Directive (IE) licence will be applied for to facilitate the operation of the proposed development. This development is covered by the provis