Galway County Council refuses permission for 239-hectare solar farm at Ireland, Co. Galway

In context

It is one of 12 solar farm applications Galway County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 349 nationally. Of the 563 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 30 September 2026. 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.

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