Kerry County Council refuses permission for 119.3-hectare solar farm at Listowel, Co. Kerry

In context

It is one of 11 solar farm applications Kerry County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 335 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 30 September 2025. 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 Kerry County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

The Proposed Development will consist of a 10-year permission for a Solar PV Energy Development across a site of approximately 119.3 hectares. The development will comprise ground-mounted solar PV panels on steel support structures, transformers, internal access tracks, passing bays, crane pads, cable trenches, a permanent operational compound, temporary construction compounds, security fencing and gates, CCTV infrastructure, and all associated site and ancillary works. The proposal also includes a 33kV underground cable connecting to a consented grid node. This cable, which runs through the townlands of Ballyline West and Tullamore, is included for assessment purposes. Any necessary consents for this element will be sought separately, as required. A Natura Impact Statement has been submitted with this application.