36 MW solar farm proposed at Bushfield Derrydonnell Beg Shantallow, 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 five-week window for public submissions has closed. The council normally decides within eight weeks of the application being lodged, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

The development description, as lodged

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

a 10-year for development consisting of: construction of a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm with an operational lifespan of c.35-years and an export capacity of c. 36MW. The works will comprise of: (1) Ground-mounted PV panels arranged in rows; ancillary electrical works including cabling, string inverters, transformer stations, ducting, and underground connections; internal access tracks; storage containers; site lighting; pole-mounted CCTV cameras; perimeter fencing; and a temporary construction compound. (2) Access arrangements to the solar PV farm via the existing agricultural entrance on the R446, which will be upgraded as part of this application. (3) Relocation and reinstatement of stonewalls and selective removal of hedgerows to facilitate the development and provide appropriate site access / egress, with works minimised and accompanied by replacement planting and conservation measures for stone walls. (4) Creation of a biodiversity area in the southwest of the site to enhance ecological value. (5) Hard and soft landscaping works, including internal access roads, drainage features, a berm in the southwest of the site, boundary treatments, and planting. (6) Installation of an underground cable route, including joint bays, along the R446,access roads, and through agricultural lands, to connect the proposed solar PV farm to the previously permitted 110 kV substation under An Coimisiún Pleanála Case No. 310141-21,which will also be connected to the solar PV farm permitted under Galway County Council Reg. Ref. 17/1544. (7) All associated site development works, including above and below ground services, across a total site area of 39.52ha. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development and accompanies 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, 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. The planning application has included an NIS