3.3-hectare solar farm proposed at Dunloe Lower Beaufort, Killarney, Co. Kerry

In context

It is one of 11 solar farm applications Kerry 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 Kerry County Council until 14 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 5 October 2026, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

How to make a submission

The development description, as lodged

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

Planning permission is sought for development comprising: • The phased development of staff accommodation lodges in two connected three-storey blocks arranged around a central courtyard area, comprising: - Phase A development of 60 no. staff accommodation rooms and 6 no. common room areas; and - Optional Phase B development of a further 18 no. staff accommodation rooms in an extension to one of the blocks. • Roof-mounted photovoltaic panels and green roof systems on the proposed accommodation lodge buildings. • Construction of a single-storey gym building with attached bicycle and bin storage facilities. • Staff car parking facilities and associated internal vehicular and pedestrian connections to existing parking area, including provision for fire tender access. • Landscaping works including localised ground reprofiling, hard and soft landscaping works. • Lighting provision. • Localised connections to existing wastewater and water supply and provision of surface water drainage including soakaway area. • All associated site development works.