183.2-hectare solar farm proposed at near Listowel, Co. Kerry

In context

It is one of 12 solar farm applications Kerry County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 351 nationally. Of the 572 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 24 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 15 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.

We, Circal Trienearagh Solar Limited, intend to apply for permission for development on lands in the townlands of Ballygarret, Gortanimerisk, Knockaderren, Knockavallig, Knockundervaul, Lacka West, Lisroe, Toor and Trienearagh, near Listowel, 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 comprises the following: I. Construction and operation of up to 576,850 sqm of solar PV arrays on ground-mounted metal frames, with a maximum overall height of up to 2.79 metres. II. Internal underground trenching, electrical cabling and ducting between the solar PV arrays and electrical invertor / transformer skid units. III. Up to 23 no. electrical inverter / transformer skid units. IV. Construction and operational access to the site by 16 no. site entrances using 14 no. existing field access points and 2 no. new access points. V. 7 no. temporary construction compounds and ancillary facilities for the duration of the construction phase of the project. VI. Construction of a 110kV / 33 kV transformer compound including an IPP Control Module of 33 sqm, a MV Switchgear Module of 33 sqm, all associated electrical plant and apparatus, 2 no c.18m lightning masts, lighting columns, fencing, parking, wastewater holding tank, rainwater harvesting unit, 33kV underground cabling, and a 110kV under the fence cable connection to the existing Trien 110 kV Substation. VII. 33 kV collector cable network, joint bays and associated works. VIII. Internal access tracks, site landscaping and drainage works, security fencing, CCTV and all associated ancillary site development works. IX. The decommissioning and reinstatement of the solar farm at the end of its operational life, including proposed transformer compound. The application seeks a 10-year permission with an operational lifetime of 40 years from the date of commissioning of the entire solar farm is being sought. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Proposed Development and accompanies the planning application. Refer to enclosed statutory notices for full development description.