239-hectare solar farm proposed at Ireland, Co. Galway

In context

It is one of 13 solar farm applications Galway County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 339 nationally. Of the 573 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 92% were granted.

What happens next

Anyone can make a submission or observation to Galway County Council until 10 September 2026, for a fee of €20. Only those who make a submission can later appeal the decision. The council is due to decide by 1 October 2026, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

How to make a submission

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 planning permission for the development of a solar farm on a site of 239 hectares consisting of the following: 1,031,319 sq. m. of solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted steel frames; 32 no. MV stations on associated hardstanding; new internal access tracks; underground cabling and ducting including along public roads L7138, L7141, L3110, L7140, L31085, L3108, L7132, L7131, and L7129; new access points onto public roads L7138, L3110, L7141, L7129, L71383, and upgrades to existing access points are proposed on public roads L7141, L3110, L7140, L7132, L7129, and L71383; limited alterations to existing stone walls including the creation or widening of access openings and reinstatement works; security fencing; CCTV; drainage infrastructure; landscaping and biodiversity enhancement measures; Horizontal Directional Drilling beneath the disused railway line; temporary construction compounds; and all associated ancillary site development works. The proposed development will be operational for 40 years. 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