175.3-hectare solar farm proposed at and Shanaway West, 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 17 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 8 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.

RED III: We, Circal Bann Solar Limited, intend to apply for permission for development on lands in the townlands of Kilmurrily, Tarmonhill, Bauragoogeen, Leitrim East, Tarmon East, Shanaway East and Shanaway West, Co. Kerry (the Proposed Development) which comprises a renewable energy development as defined by The European Union (Planning and Development) (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2025. The Proposed Development, subject of this application, will consist of: The development and operation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm with a total area of 245.33 ha, 175.32 ha of which lies within Co. Kerry. The application seeks a 10-year permission with an operational lifetime of 40 years and comprises the following – i. Construction and operation of up to 541,306.68sqm. of solar PV arrays on ground-mounted metal frames, with a maximum overall height of up to 2.79metres. ii. Internal underground trenching, electrical cabling and ducting between the solar PV arrays and electrical invertor / transformer skid units. iii. Up to 19 no. electrical inverter / transformer skid units. iv. Construction and operational access to the site by 6 no. site entrances, using 4 no. existing field access points and 2 no. new access points. v. 3 no. temporary construction compounds and ancillary facilities for the duration of the construction phase of the project. vi. 33kV collector cable network, joint bays and associated works. vii. Internal access tracks, site landscaping and drainage works, security fencing, CCTV and all associated ancillary site development works. viii. The decommissioning and reinstatement of the solar farm at the end of its operational life. The elements of the Proposed Project located in co. Kerry, as described above in i – viii, are the subject of this planning application. Refer to enclosed statutory notices for full development description.