Galway County Council grants permission for 56.2-hectare solar farm at Ballydonagh Cloonineen Skecoor Kiltormer, 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 4 March 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 several minor amendments to the previously consented development under Planning Reference 2461749 (by Galway County Council). The amendments comprise the following; Combined central inverters and MV transformers are replaced by separate string inverters and central MV transformers which results in a reduction in the extent of associated hardstanding areas; alteration to Condition 3(a) to extend the operational lifetime of the solar farm from 35 years to 40 years; addition of tables in the former central inverter locations. An updated Natura Impact Statement has been submitted with this application. This 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